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QFF: From AI to Empathy: Stephen Sakach, Founder of Zero Company & AI CMO.io, Reveals How Emotional Connection, Purpose-Driven Marketing, and His ‘Bliss Business’ Philosophy Are Redefining the Future of Modern Brand Growth. (Episode 736 - Stephen Saka

Grow A Small Business Podcast

Release Date: 10/16/2025

QFF: Sarah Williams of Leading Culture explains how small and midsize businesses can boost performance by strengthening communication, fixing culture challenges, and connecting people strategy directly to measurable growth. (Episode 747 - Sarah Williams) show art QFF: Sarah Williams of Leading Culture explains how small and midsize businesses can boost performance by strengthening communication, fixing culture challenges, and connecting people strategy directly to measurable growth. (Episode 747 - Sarah Williams)

Grow A Small Business Podcast

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Rob Cameron interviews...

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Founder of Leave Law Behind — shares how he transformed his own career shift from law into a thriving online business helping unhappy attorneys pivot, scaling to $500K a year through coaching, courses, and smart automation. (Episode 746 - Casey Berman) show art Founder of Leave Law Behind — shares how he transformed his own career shift from law into a thriving online business helping unhappy attorneys pivot, scaling to $500K a year through coaching, courses, and smart automation. (Episode 746 - Casey Berman)

Grow A Small Business Podcast

n this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , founder of Casey joins Troy to share his journey from a law career he found unfulfilling to building a thriving business helping lawyers transition into new careers. Starting with blogging in 2010, Casey turned his personal story into a coaching business, later scaling it with online courses. He and his business partner now run a lean, lifestyle-driven company with five team members, generating around half a million USD annually. Casey reflects on the importance of discipline, alignment, and emotional...

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QFF: Gail Eaton-Briggs of Every When Solutions on Developing Conscious Grit: Helping Small Business Owners Shift from Unconscious Struggle to Purposeful Growth Through Neuroscience-Based Coaching and Mindset Change. (Episode 745 - Gail Eaton-Briggs) show art QFF: Gail Eaton-Briggs of Every When Solutions on Developing Conscious Grit: Helping Small Business Owners Shift from Unconscious Struggle to Purposeful Growth Through Neuroscience-Based Coaching and Mindset Change. (Episode 745 - Gail Eaton-Briggs)

Grow A Small Business Podcast

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Rob Cameron interviews...

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Former President of Texas State Optical, Shares How He Grew a 100 – Location Franchise to $130M, Replaced Fear with Faith, Led Through Disruption, and Built a Purpose – Driven Legacy in the Changing Eye Care Industry. (Episode 744 - John D Marvin) show art Former President of Texas State Optical, Shares How He Grew a 100 – Location Franchise to $130M, Replaced Fear with Faith, Led Through Disruption, and Built a Purpose – Driven Legacy in the Changing Eye Care Industry. (Episode 744 - John D Marvin)

Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , former President and CEO of , shares his 25-year journey leading one of America’s most iconic optical brands. He talks about growing the company from 100 to 130 locations and over $130 million in annual revenue, adapting to major industry disruptions, and mentoring the next generation of optometrists. John also dives into lessons on leadership, faith over fear, and the power of listening to customers. His story is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and building purpose-driven growth in a changing...

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QFF: Etinosa Agbonlahor, CEO of Decision Alpha, shares how behavioral economics and confident pricing boost revenue, improve customer retention, and drive lasting business growth through smarter pricing psychology. (Episode 743 - Etinosa Agbonlahor) show art QFF: Etinosa Agbonlahor, CEO of Decision Alpha, shares how behavioral economics and confident pricing boost revenue, improve customer retention, and drive lasting business growth through smarter pricing psychology. (Episode 743 - Etinosa Agbonlahor)

Grow A Small Business Podcast

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Rob Cameron interviews...

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John Ferguson, founder of Hobart Gutter Guard Co., reveals how he built a $500K business from a simple side hustle through smart systems, delegation, and marketing mastery — achieving true freedom and success in business. (Episode 742 - John Ferguson) show art John Ferguson, founder of Hobart Gutter Guard Co., reveals how he built a $500K business from a simple side hustle through smart systems, delegation, and marketing mastery — achieving true freedom and success in business. (Episode 742 - John Ferguson)

Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , founder of ., shares his journey from working in community services to building a $500K lifestyle business. Starting as a side hustle in 2018, he grew the company through smart systems, clear SOPs, and delegation. By hiring a virtual assistant and automating operations, John reduced his workload to just two hours a week. After selling half the business, he now focuses on expanding the model across Australia. His story is a powerful example of how vision, structure, and marketing mastery can turn a small local...

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QFF: Be Better, Be Well, Be Bold — Dylan Pargiter-Green’s Journey to Building Bold Wealth: How Courage, Clarity, and Connection Helped Him Redefine Financial Success and Turn Purpose into Prosperity in Business & Life. (Episode 741 - Dylan Pargiter-Gr show art QFF: Be Better, Be Well, Be Bold — Dylan Pargiter-Green’s Journey to Building Bold Wealth: How Courage, Clarity, and Connection Helped Him Redefine Financial Success and Turn Purpose into Prosperity in Business & Life. (Episode 741 - Dylan Pargiter-Gr

Grow A Small Business Podcast

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Amanda Jones interviews...

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From Coaching to Global LinkedIn Success: Andy Gwynn Shares How He Built Three Degrees Social into a Tech-Powered Brand Using AI, Smart Systems & Relentless Consistency to Help Small Businesses Grow Faster Than Ever. (Episode 740 - Andy Gwynn) show art From Coaching to Global LinkedIn Success: Andy Gwynn Shares How He Built Three Degrees Social into a Tech-Powered Brand Using AI, Smart Systems & Relentless Consistency to Help Small Businesses Grow Faster Than Ever. (Episode 740 - Andy Gwynn)

Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , founder of , based in Málaga, Spain. Andy shares his inspiring journey from being a business coach to becoming a LinkedIn marketing expert, helping small business owners generate consistent leads and engagement through powerful digital strategies. He discusses how consistency, mindset, and leveraging technology have been key to his success, along with valuable lessons learned from franchising, scaling, and adapting to change. Andy’s story is a great example of resilience, innovation, and the power of...

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QFF: Trent Morgan, founder of Motivision, shares how he helps businesses transform burnout and misalignment into clarity, purpose, and high performance by aligning people, vision, and culture for stronger, motivated teams. (Episode 739 - Trent Morgan) show art QFF: Trent Morgan, founder of Motivision, shares how he helps businesses transform burnout and misalignment into clarity, purpose, and high performance by aligning people, vision, and culture for stronger, motivated teams. (Episode 739 - Trent Morgan)

Grow A Small Business Podcast

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Rob Cameron interviews...

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From sending flowers to Russia to building an $11M global gift empire with a 120+ person team. Dmitriy Peregudov's story proves that patience, purpose, and people-first values are the keys to lasting success. (Episode 738 - Dmitriy Peregudov) show art From sending flowers to Russia to building an $11M global gift empire with a 120+ person team. Dmitriy Peregudov's story proves that patience, purpose, and people-first values are the keys to lasting success. (Episode 738 - Dmitriy Peregudov)

Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews , founder of , shares his inspiring 28-year journey from sending flowers to loved ones in Russia to leading an $11M global gifting company with 120+ team members. He talks about building a business rooted in patience, perseverance, and people-first values. Dmitriy discusses how focusing on customer experience and team culture fueled long-term success. He also explains the role of SEO and AI in modern marketing and why brand trust matters more than ever. From overcoming fraud challenges to achieving a 64% Net Promoter Score,...

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More Episodes

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse!

Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week.

Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends!

In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Amanda Jones interviews Stephen Sakach, Founder of Zero Company and AI CMO.io, to explore how empathy and purpose can transform modern marketing. Stephen shares his groundbreaking “Bliss Business” philosophy—building love into scalable systems—and explains how emotional connection drives brand loyalty and long-term success. From integrating AI with authentic storytelling to creating marketing that truly feels human, this conversation uncovers how businesses can grow with both heart and strategy.

Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:

Build Emotional Connections: Brands that connect emotionally with customers enjoy higher loyalty and up to 300% greater lifetime value.

Lead with Purpose: Defining your business’s “why” gives meaning to your work and helps attract engaged employees and ideal clients.

Adopt the Bliss Philosophy: Build Love Into Scalable Systems—turn random acts of kindness into structured habits within your business culture.

Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for?

Use AI with Intention: Leverage AI tools to save time and enhance creativity, but ensure your message stays authentic and human-centered.

Create Surprise and Delight: Small, thoughtful gestures toward customers can foster emotional bonds and brand differentiation.

Empathy = Profitability: Data shows empathetic businesses not only build trust but also outperform competitors financially.

One action small business owners can take:

According to Stephen Sakach, one action small business owners can take is to build love into scalable systems – find small, meaningful ways to infuse empathy, care, and purpose into everyday business processes so that kindness and connection continue to thrive, even when you’re not directly involved.

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Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

 


 

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Marketing isn’t just about selling—it’s about creating emotional connections that make people feel seen and valued — Stephen Sakach

Build love into scalable systems so kindness becomes part of your company’s DNA, not just a random act — Stephen Sakach

AI should help us become better humans, not replace what makes us human — Stephen Sakach