Transforming Fear into Growth Opportunities with Lori McNeil - EP 403
Release Date: 04/30/2025
365 Driven
In this solo episode of 365 Driven, host Tony Whatley pulls back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood topics in entrepreneurship: private equity, mergers & acquisitions, and what “exits” really look like in the real world. Tony starts with hard data that every founder needs to hear—how many businesses actually survive 5 and 10 years, how few ever sell, and why the “big exit” stories on social media distort expectations. He then breaks down how businesses are valued (including multiples and transaction realities), why the median business sale is far lower than most...
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AI is rewriting the rules of entrepreneurship—and Julia McCoy’s story proves why the winners won’t be the ones working harder, but the ones working smarter. Tony Whatley welcomes Julia —business, marketing, and AI expert—to a conversation that pulls no punches about what’s next for entrepreneurs…and what’s at stake if you ignore it. After a meteoric run in AI (including building a YouTube audience of 200,000+), Julia shares how a sudden health crisis forced her to rebuild her business from the ground up—often working in 10-minute increments from her phone. That...
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Marketing maestro Eric Huberman joins the 365 Driven Podcast to share his captivating entrepreneurial journey, from his childhood ventures selling lemonade and flowers to building Hawke Media, a powerhouse in digital marketing. Eric's path is a testament to the tenacity and creativity required to thrive in the ever-evolving business landscape. His insights on the importance of maintaining financial health and enjoying the entrepreneurial ride to prevent burnout offer aspiring entrepreneurs a blueprint for sustainable success. The conversation unfolds with Eric's passion for marketing, delving...
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Renowned YouTube strategist Nate Woodbury joins The 365 Driven Podcast to uncover the magic of using YouTube for smarter lead generation. While viral fame might seem tempting, Nate reveals how answering specific, long-tail questions on YouTube can attract a dedicated audience looking for your expertise. He unravels the journey from web design to mastering YouTube, emphasizing the art of nurturing prospects over traditional marketing to position yourself as a trusted authority in your field. Explore the dynamic between nurturing and marketing as Nate and Tony discuss the real power of...
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Melanie Herschorn, a trailblazer in book marketing and writing, reveals the winding path of her career that took her from celebrity PR to entrepreneurship and beyond. She shares the emotional rollercoaster of launching a successful breastfeeding clothing line on Nordstrom and Amazon, only to face a setback from a hiring misstep. Melanie's story exemplifies the unpredictable nature of career transitions and underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability when navigating professional challenges. Melanie now helps leaders turn their expertise into well-written, strategic, and...
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I bought another car. Although it's not an expensive car, it's valuable to me. This is the story behind it, and what memories it brings back. 2000 Pontiac Firebird Formula WS6 LS1 5.7L V8, 6-Speed Manual Navy Blue Metallic, Hardtop 20K miles, original owner!
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Could you be letting thousands of dollars slip through your fingers by not understanding the latest tax laws? Renowned tax strategy expert Tyler McBroom is on the 365 Driven podcast to uncover essential tax savings strategies every business owner should know. With the year-end looming, Tyler reveals the significance of proactive tax planning and how leveraging the right tax codes can allow you to reinvest in your business rather than handing over your hard-earned money to the IRS. Tyler breaks down recent tax legislation changes, clarifying deductions that benefit both individuals and business...
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Dreams don’t have expiration dates—and Ron Rubin proves it. In this inspiring episode of the 365 Driven Podcast, host Tony Whatley sits down with the former CEO of The Republic of Tea and current owner of River Road Family Vineyards and Winery. Ron reveals how a passion he discovered in his 20s took four decades to come true, and why perseverance, patience, and smart business practices were the keys to making it happen. From scaling The Republic of Tea into a household name to running a debt-free winery in Sonoma, Ron shares powerful lessons on brand building, culture, and staying...
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How do luxury brands like Rolex manage to captivate their audience and command premium prices despite the myriad of cheaper alternatives? Tune in to this episode of the 365 Driven podcast as David Shloss unravels the intricacies of luxury marketing and consumer psychology. David draws intriguing parallels between the sale of high-ticket luxury items and the challenges faced in marketing more affordable digital products. This episode also touches on the nuanced art of authentic personal branding, both online and offline—something David and Tony have found crucial in their careers. This...
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Digital marketing maestro Akbar Sheikh joins the 365 Driven podcast to share his potent strategies for crafting lead magnets, funnels, and traffic-driving content. What if your business could thrive through the power of authenticity and alignment? Akbar shares his journey from financial and emotional hurdles to triumph, illustrating how foundational growth can trump quick wins. You'll hear how impactful messaging can transform your brand, helping you connect with specific audiences. His unique blend of humor and honesty highlights the transformative power of effective communication over the...
info_outlineUnlock the keys to fearlessly navigating your personal and professional life as this episode explores the boundless potential within your internal toolbox with Lori McNeil. Lori McNeil is a 20-year International Educator & Business Coach who gets results. She helps entrepreneurs worldwide reach higher levels of success in life and in business than they ever thought possible, while building a true legacy.
How can you leverage your unique skills to redefine competition and lead with integrity? Lori reveals her incredible journey from education to business coaching, underscoring how anyone can pursue leadership and legacy by focusing on personal growth and utilizing available resources. Forget about titles and positions—true leadership comes from within.
As AI continues to integrate into the speaking, coaching, and authoring industries, maintaining integrity becomes a crucial conversation. Lori and Tony dive into the complexities of authenticity in a world where AI tools like ChatGPT are prevalent. Are we losing our voice amidst AI-generated content? By sharing insights and experiences, Lori and Tony highlight the importance of recognizing AI's influence and maintaining ethical standards. They also discuss how understanding business decisions and developing technical skills can be the difference between success and costly mistakes, especially for those eyeing a career transition.
Fear often masquerades as a limitation, but what if it's just a lack of belief in your own capabilities? This episode tackles the impact of fear and the mindset shifts required for successful career transitions, particularly into entrepreneurship. Through personal anecdotes, Tony and Lori explore the power of discipline, realistic expectations, and mastering marketing and sales skills to build a thriving venture.
Key highlights:
- Legacy, Leadership, and Internal Toolbox
- Maintaining Integrity Amid AI Integration
- Avoiding Mistakes in Business Development
- Overcoming Fear and Making Decisions
- Unleashing Your Unique Legacy Vision
- Navigating Career Transitions With Realistic Expectations
- Transitioning to Entrepreneurship
- Business Coaching and Growth Opportunities
Connect with Lori McNeil:
- Website: lorimcneil.com
- Instagram: @coachlorimcneil
Connect with Tony Whatley:
- Website: 365driven.com
- Instagram: @365driven
- Facebook: 365 Driven