Best Erik Berglund Podcasts (2025)

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051: "Authenticity as a System of Living—Not Just a Buzzword" (lessons from Rose Archer) 7:39

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6h ago7:39

7:39

Fresh off his conversation with Rose Archer, Erik is lit up—not just by what Rose is building, but by how she’s building it. In this reflection, Erik dives into the raw threads of authenticity, opportunity, and human connection that run through Rose’s story. It’s more than admiration—it’s a call to pay attention to how the universe shows up for us …

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050: "Authenticity Scales When It's Felt" ft. Rose Archer 1:34:11

1d ago1:34:11

1:34:11

Erik sits down with Rose Archer, founder of the Luscious Supper Club—a sold-out monthly dining experience that’s as much about human connection as it is about exquisite food. What started as a side hustle from her Northeast Bend home has become a sought-after ritual for those craving beauty, belonging, and a return to the sacredness of breaking bre…

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049: What If Every Excuse You’ve Ever Heard Was Just One of Four? 9:19

15h ago9:19

9:19

You’ve heard a thousand excuses—but what if there were really only four? In this sharp, tactical solo episode, Erik unpacks the universal patterns behind excuses and gives leaders a practical four-step play to move from frustration to clarity. With real-life examples and sharp reframes, this is your go-to guide for handling the conversations you’ve…

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048: "Seeing Gen Z as Problem Solvers, Not Problems" (lessons from Logyn Coats) 10:06

13h ago10:06

10:06

🧠 Erik’s Take After sitting down with Logyn Coats, Erik reflects on what it really means to understand—and lead—across generations. At just 16, Logyn offered perspective far beyond her years, surfacing insights that resonate with the challenges leaders face today: motivating, teaching, and connecting with Gen Z and Gen Alpha. This review digs into …

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047: "Can Gen Z’s Drive Reframe the Way We Lead Today?" ft. Logyn Coats 1:27:05

8h ago1:27:05

1:27:05

What happens when you stop waiting for life to happen and start building it with intentionality? In this episode, Erik sits down with Logyn Coats, a driven student-athlete with an unconventional story of accelerated learning, discipline, and vision. From navigating dyslexia to graduating high school in two years, from shaping her worldview through …

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046: Stop Hiding Behind The 'I Lead By Example' Phrase 7:50

3d ago7:50

7:50

This episode is meant to challenge you. Erik takes on the lazy, surface-level claim of “I lead by example” and unpacks why it’s an insufficient leadership philosophy. He shares his own hard-learned lessons, what went wrong when he tried to evolve past it without clear communication, and why every leader needs a sharper articulation of their philoso…

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045: "Why Asking for Help Builds More Trust Than Giving Answers" (lessons from Jake Stahl) 6:24

5d ago6:24

6:24

After sitting down with Jake Stahl, Erik reflects on the biggest insights from their conversation about neuro-strategy, influence, and the subtle ways leaders can shape trust. He pulls forward Jake’s key practices and maps them onto his own curiosity-driven approach to leadership and coaching. 🎯 Top Insights from the Interview Preparation shapes in…

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044: "My Only Competitor Is Me From Yesterday" ft. Jake Stahl 55:09

7d ago55:09

55:09

In this conversation, Erik sits down with Jake Stahl, CEO of Orchestraight, to dig into the nuances of adaptability, trust, and leading with presence. From reframing how we think about time to building spaces where people feel seen, Jake offers a refreshingly human approach to leadership growth. 👤 About the Guest Jake Stahl is the CEO of Orchestrai…

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043: How to Give Feedback People Actually Hear (And Act On) 10:39

12d ago10:39

10:39

Erik unpacks the art and science of giving feedback that doesn’t just land—but transforms. Drawing from leadership trenches, he challenges the old “feedback sandwich” cliché and lays out a sharper, more human way to communicate with clarity, care, and conviction. ❓ The Big Question How do you give feedback that someone can truly hear—without defens…

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042: “Can You Build Systems for Emotional Resilience?” (lessons from Troy Karnes) 6:51

15d ago6:51

6:51

Coming off an intense, vulnerable conversation with Troy Karnes, Erik reflects on what it means to be trained to be human — and how most of us simply haven’t been. This episode is less a summary and more a reckoning: with parenting, leadership, addiction, loneliness, and the self-sabotaging decisions we make when we’re just trying to survive. Troy’…

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041: “How Do You Lead When You’re Still Healing?” ft. Troy Karnes 1:33:47

17d ago1:33:47

1:33:47

In this raw and revealing conversation, Erik sits down with entrepreneur and systems thinker Troy Karnes to explore what happens when your ambition starts to burn you out — and how to rebuild from the inside out. They dig into the identity loops that trap high performers, the hard cost of playing it safe, and what it means to take control of your o…

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040: What Do You Do When Your Team Thinks You Don’t Deserve the Job? 9:55

25d ago9:55

9:55

In this episode, Erik breaks down how to earn trust, build consensus, and handle the uncomfortable conversations that come with stepping into leadership when the room isn’t exactly rooting for you. ❓ The Big Question How do you earn trust and lead effectively when your team believes someone else should have gotten your job? 💡 Key Takeaways You don’…

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039: Why Your A-Players Leave (And How to Prevent It) 9:28

28d ago9:28

9:28

Losing a top performer is brutal—and often preventable. In this episode, Erik goes beyond the cliché of “people don’t leave companies, they leave managers” to unpack the real reasons your best people walk out the door. He reveals three leadership moves that will keep your rock stars engaged, growing, and aligned—without relying on promotions, title…

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038: The Leadership Hack That Eliminates 80% of Check-Ins 7:08

30d ago7:08

7:08

Check-ins are killing your calendar. In this episode, Erik breaks down why endless reminders are actually a symptom of low confidence and poor expectation-setting—and he teaches a simple leadership “play” that flips the script. Instead of you chasing progress updates, your team will push you the information you need—freeing up your time, building a…

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037: How to Make More Time by Choosing What Not to Do 18:20

1M ago18:20

18:20

In this solo episode, Erik tackles one of the most common—and most misunderstood—questions leaders and high-achievers ask: How do I make more time? Instead of chasing productivity hacks, he offers two practical tools to get clear on what really matters and what can wait. The episode blends strategic thinking with real-life examples, helping listene…

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036: "Are You Creating Space for Others to Shine?" (lessons from Sam Bennet) 6:45

1M ago6:45

6:45

This reaction episode offers a reflective deep dive into the most resonant themes from Erik’s conversation with Sam Bennett—improviser, coach, and author of Start Right Where You Are. Erik explores the real-world value of improv training, redefines creativity through a leadership lens, and shares how Sam’s abundance mindset reminded him that leader…

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035: "What If You Led Like You Liked People?" ft. Sam Bennet 1:01:09

1M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

In this deeply human, laugh-out-loud insightful conversation, Erik sits down with the brilliant and hilarious Sam Bennett—actress, writer, leadership coach, and improv-trained creativity wizard. They explore the subtle power of curiosity, how theater prepares us for leadership, and why treating people like you actually like them is the secret to be…

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034: Does Asking The Right Question Beat Giving The Right Answer? 8:01

1M ago8:01

8:01

This episode is a bold challenge to the myth that leaders need to have all the answers. Erik breaks down the real reason many leaders avoid tough conversations—and how a single mindset shift can radically reduce stress, spark better performance, and create more self-sufficient teams. This is about turning pressure into presence, and questions into …

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033: "Are You Chasing Success Without Knowing Why?" (lessons from Peter Awad) 5:12

1M ago5:12

5:12

🧠 Erik’s Take In this reflection, Erik unpacks his recent interview with Peter Awad—a powerful, purpose-driven conversation that left him wanting more time. The episode explored how discovering your “why” is far less about lightbulb moments and far more about long-haul self-inquiry. Erik doesn’t just review their dialogue—he reveals how his own jou…

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032: "Why Do We Coast Into a Life We Don’t Even Want?" (Ft. Peter Awad) 39:43

1M ago39:43

39:43

In this powerful conversation with coach and entrepreneur Peter Awad, Erik digs into what happens when high-achieving people drift through life without a clear why. Together, they explore the subtle decay that comes from comfort, the courage it takes to pursue voluntary discomfort, and why most people wait too long to ask the deeper questions. This…

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031: The Secret to Make Hard Conversations EASY 13:50

2M ago13:50

13:50

In this solo episode of I Have Some Questions..., Erik goes straight into the heart of what most leaders avoid: hard conversations. If you've ever dreaded giving feedback, delayed the tough talk, or spiraled into overthinking how it'll be received — this one’s for you. Erik breaks down why we avoid these conversations and offers a simple, repeatabl…

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030: “What’s Worth Being Relentless About?” (lessons from Chris Jones) 6:52

2M ago6:52

6:52

After an energizing and raw conversation with Chris Jones, Erik reflects on what it actually means to be relentless—and why so few of us live that way. In this solo reflection, Erik opens up about his own honest recognition that he’s notrelentlessly wired, at least not by default, and explores what it takes to become someone who is. This isn’t just…

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029: “Can You Learn to Be Relentless?” ft. Chris Jones 1:24:22

2M ago1:24:22

1:24:22

What does it really take to become relentless—and why is fun an essential part of the formula? In this candid, high-energy conversation, Erik sits down with best-selling author and EOS coach Chris Jones, a leader who’s navigated failure, burnout, and massive business pivots to find the intersection of intensity and joy. Together, they explore how c…

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028: What If the Rock Star Team You Want… Isn’t the One You Hired? 10:52

2M ago10:52

10:52

In this episode, Erik drops the hammer on one of leadership’s biggest illusions: that great teams are discovered, not developed. He challenges listeners to let go of the fantasy of “perfect hires” and instead master the craft of building greatness from within. From training and development to retention and real-time coaching, Erik lays out a clear,…

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027: “What If Great Leadership Starts with Being Wrong First?” (lessons from Ian Beaty) 4:40

2M ago4:40

4:40

In this recap, Erik distills the key leadership insights from his conversation with Dr. Ian Beaty, highlighting the gap between technical skill and leadership ability. He reflects on the all-too-common failure point: we promote people because they’re good at something, not because they’ve been trained to lead. Erik explores how this creates a cycle…

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026: “Why Is It So Damn Easy to Be a Bad Leader?” ft. Dr. Ian Beaty 1:14:47

2M ago1:14:47

1:14:47

Erik sits down with Dr. Ian Beaty—Major in the Oregon Army National Guard, military recruiter-turned-educational liaison, and founder of Maven Speaks. With 24 years of service and a doctorate in education, Ian’s insight cuts through the noise on what real leadership looks like, why bad leadership is so common, and how he’s bridging bureaucratic sil…

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024: “Can You Charge More, And Sell More?” (lessons from Amanda Bedell) 5:51

2M ago5:51

5:51

In this reflective follow-up to his interview with Amanda Bedell, Erik gets honest about the uncomfortable truths business owners face when it comes to profit. Most of us think we’re “doing okay” because revenue is coming in—but Amanda forces a deeper look. What stuck with Erik most wasn’t just Amanda’s strategic brilliance—it was how she translate…

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023: “What does it take to build a profitable business?” ft. Amanda Bedell 51:18

2M ago51:18

51:18

In this episode, Erik sits down with Amanda Bedell, a no-BS profit strategist with a story that flips the script on what most entrepreneurs think running a “successful” business looks like. Amanda unpacks the painful lessons from building a $2M+ bakery—with zero profit—and how that failure catalyzed her mission to help founders build profitable, se…

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022: What If Reviews Could Actually Make You a Better Leader? 19:18

2M ago19:18

19:18

In this mid-year solo riff, Erik dismantles the anxiety and avoidance that plague performance reviews. Instead of dreading the annual ritual, Erik lays out a practical, human-first framework that transforms reviews into accountability-driving, career-shaping conversations. Whether you're leading five or fifty, this episode offers a process that hel…

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021: “Will You Adapt Before You’re Forced To?” (lessons from Justin Coats) 8:25

2M ago8:25

8:25

Coming off the conversation with Justin Coats, Erik reflects on what stood out most — not just in what was said, but in the tone of how it was said. Justin’s outlook on AI is refreshingly optimistic, and not in a techno-utopian way. His confidence stems from deep proximity to the tools, but also from the pattern recognition of someone who’s rebuilt…

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020: “Can You Build a Culture Around Systems?” ft. Justin Coats 1:35:25

2M ago1:35:25

1:35:25

Erik sits down with AI implementer, systems thinker, and neesh.ai founder Justin Coats for a future-forward conversation that spans war zones to workflow. From wrenching helicopters in the Marines to designing AI frameworks for SMBs, Justin's journey is anything but linear — and that’s exactly why his perspective hits so hard. Together, they explor…

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018: “Can You Lead Without Knowing Where You’re Going?” (lessons from Brendan Burns) 10:09

3M ago10:09

10:09

This solo debrief is as much a mirror as it is a microphone. Erik reflects on his conversation with Brendan Burns—coach, hedge fund founder, and a pivotal influence in his own journey—and uses it to explore the uncomfortable but critical tension between external success and internal clarity. What happens when even the best in the game can’t quite a…

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017: “Is There a Difference Between Success and Satisfaction?” ft. Brendan Burns 56:16

3M ago56:16

56:16

🎙️ Episode Snapshot Erik welcomes coach, podcaster, and hedge fund founder Brendan Burns—his former coach and the catalyst behind the creation of Language of Leadership. This isn’t just a reunion; it’s a deep dive into Brendan’s unconventional path from law school and hedge funds to transformational coaching and multi-business leadership. The conve…

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015: “What Happens When You Finally Ask the Real Questions?” (lessons from Kyle Nelson & Eli Libby) 10:20

3M ago10:20

10:20

🧠 Erik’s Take This reaction is more than a recap—it’s a confession. Erik shares his very real fear of solitude, of discovering he’s off course, and of what clarity might demand of him if he dares to seek it. It’s a vulnerable, reflective breakdown of the Kyle & Eli episode, and a deeper dive into why structured solitude might be the leadership deve…

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014: “What Does It Take to Realign Your Life and Business?” ft. Kyle Nelson & Eli Libby 52:38

3M ago52:38

52:38

🎙️ Episode Snapshot Erik sits down with long-time friends and co-founders Kyle Nelson and Eli Libby, the creators of ResetOS, a clarity operating system designed to help high performers realign their internal compass before life forces them to. This episode dives deep into the transformational power of structured solitude, explores how pain can bec…

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013: What If Motivation Isn’t the Problem? 28:38

3M ago28:38

28:38

🎙️ Episode Snapshot In this solo episode, Erik takes a sledgehammer to one of the most overused and misunderstood leadership questions: “How do I motivate my people?” He breaks down why motivation isn’t your job, and how alignment is the real lever leaders should be pulling. From hiring to training, development to retention, Erik reframes every ste…

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012: “Are You Settling for ‘Good Enough’ on Your Team?” (lessons from Alex Kudelka) 7:59

3M ago7:59

7:59

🧠 Erik’s Take In this reflection, Erik breaks down his conversation with Alex Kudelka and extends the dialogue into a deeper meditation on one of the hardest (and most human) aspects of business: adding the right people. Whether it's a co-founder or a hire, getting the “who” right is make-or-break—and Erik’s vulnerable look at how pressure can lead…

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011: “Can You Scale a Business Without Diluting Your Magic?” ft. Alex Kudelka 1:01:49

3M ago1:01:49

1:01:49

🎙️ Episode Snapshot Erik sits down with startup builder and Outdo Growth founder Alex Kudelka for a deeply honest and tactical conversation on what it really takes to build early-stage ventures. From co-founder dynamics to hiring pitfalls, from founder-led sales to the myths of scaling too early—this episode is a goldmine for founders navigating th…

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010: Are You Ready to Lead an AI-Empowered Team? 39:53

3M ago39:53

39:53

🎙️ Episode Snapshot In this solo episode, Erik unpacks the deeper leadership challenge that AI is creating—not just how to use the tools, but how to lead people who are using them. From data aggregation to automation to creation (and now even talent development), Erik lays out the evolving landscape and what it demands of leaders. He calls on liste…

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009: “Are You Committed to the Process or Just the Result?” (lessons from Alex Boyd) 9:15

3M ago9:15

9:15

🧠 Erik’s Take Coming off a powerful interview with Alex Boyd, Erik takes a moment to unpack the core themes that resonated most. This reflection is a masterclass in translating deep conversation into leadership action. What stood out was Alex’s but his clarity, vulnerability, and the fearless questions he asks himself. For Erik, this was a model of…

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008: “What’s the Secret to Sales That Don’t Suck?” ft. Alex Boyd 1:34:00

3M ago1:34:00

1:34:00

🎙️ Episode Snapshot In this layered and laugh-filled conversation, Erik sits down with multi-time founder and investor Alex Boyd to talk about the collision of AI, leadership, and personal transformation. What begins as a conversation about technology and team-building morphs into a masterclass on intentional leadership, career evolution, and build…

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007: Are You Leading the Person or Fighting the Generation? 21:27

3M ago21:27

21:27

In this unfiltered, freewheeling solo riff, Erik tackles a controversial leadership question: How do you lead Millennials and Gen Z? Not from a place of judgment, but of lived experience. As a millennial himself, Erik offers a deep and human-centered take on why these generations behave differently at work, what they’re really optimizing for, and h…

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006: What The F Is Accountability? 46:39

3M ago46:39

46:39

In this no-BS episode, Erik breaks down a word that everyone uses but few truly understand: accountability. Born from a career-defining moment when he couldn’t answer the question in a final interview, Erik shares the story that sparked his obsession with this misunderstood leadership cornerstone. He unpacks the real definition of accountability, w…

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005: "What If You’re One Swing Away from Breakthrough?” ft. Brian Lofrumento 48:27

3M ago48:27

48:27

In this energizing and deeply reflective conversation, Erik sits down with serial entrepreneur, podcaster, and speaker Brian Lofrumento, whose 17-year journey has taken him from a soccer blog started in college to over 1100 podcast episodes and a newly launched nonprofit. They unpack what really drives entrepreneurs past the wantrepreneur stage, wh…

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004: How Do People Get Better at Things? 34:53

3M ago34:53

34:53

In this solo episode, Erik Berglund takes on one of the most critical and misunderstood leadership questions: How do people get better at things? With bold clarity, he dismantles the myths we cling to about time, motivation, and talent, and offers a precise, actionable framework for building growth into your organization. Whether you lead a team of…

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003: “Are You Asking Too Much of Your Team… Without Realizing It?” (lessons from Tim Whitmire) 8:23

3M ago8:23

8:23

In this reaction episode, Erik unpacks the deeply resonant conversation he just had with Tim Whitmire, co-founder of F3 Nation. What starts as a personal reflection on F3's impact morphs into a vulnerable and strategic look at leadership, sustainability, and what it really means to see the people we lead clearly. From the power of micro-origin stor…

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002: “Can a Free Workout Teach You How to Be a Better Man?” ft. Tim Whitmire 54:22

3M ago54:22

54:22

In this powerful conversation, Erik sits down with Tim Whitmire, co-founder of F3 Nation and a seasoned leader across journalism, finance, consulting, and operations, to unpack what it takes to build decentralized leadership, sustain impact at scale, and lead with humility and purpose. From the sweaty roots of a Saturday workout in Charlotte to the…

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001: What Does It Mean to Be a Leader? 31:52

3M ago31:52

31:52

In this solo episode, Erik takes us deep into one of the most deceptively simple and misunderstood questions in leadership: What does it mean to be a leader? This is not about personality traits or lofty vision statements—it’s about one clear, powerful definition that transforms how you show up, lead, and grow others. If you’ve ever felt the tensio…

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000: Welcome to “I Have Some Questions…” 5:49

3M ago5:49

5:49

In this launch episode of I Have Some Questions…, Erik Berglund sets the stage for a podcast built on one radical belief: that great leadership begins not with answers, but with better questions. He shares the personal journey that led him to this insight, the mission behind the show, and what listeners can expect from future episodes—interviews, s…

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Episode 18: Ask Amanda Questioning Assumptions - A How-To Guide For Business Owners 11:53

7M ago11:53

11:53

Episode Highlights: 🔹 The importance of questioning assumptions in business 🔹 How unchecked assumptions can block major breakthroughs 🔹 A personal story of learning to listen and adapt 🔹 Five common assumptions that may be holding your business back 🔹 Actionable steps to challenge and test assumptions Opening Thoughts "Hi there, I'm Amanda Bedell, …