287: Fall Reads: Five Game-Changing Books for Small Business Owners with Eric Rozenberg
Release Date: 09/09/2025
The Business of Meetings
Today, we are thrilled to welcome entrepreneur, philosopher, writer, podcaster, and author Robert Glazer as our guest. Robert truly understands how values shape company culture. In his latest book, The Compass Within, he explores how values guide both personal and organizational success. Join us to discover how strong values lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity. Robert’s Journey Robert founded Acceleration Partners, a global partner marketing agency that became one of the first fully remote companies long before remote work became common. What began as an...
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We are excited to welcome clinical psychologist and USA Today bestselling author, Dr. Chloe Carmichael, today. Chloe wrote Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety, which Deepak Chopra endorsed. Her latest book, Can I Say That? Why Free Speech Matters and How to Use It Fearlessly prompted Eric to reach out to her. That book received recommendations from Dr. Phil McGraw, Dr. Drew Pinsky, Patrick Bet-David, and various other thought leaders. She joins us to explore mental health, the importance of free speech, and what goes on within corporate organizations. Chloe’s...
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Today, we are delighted to welcome Lisa Gregory, the founder and CEO of Gregory Event Services. As a dynamic entrepreneur with an impressive career, Lisa understands the highs and challenges of running a business, from sleepless nights to navigating the unexpected with determination and grace. She joins us today to share her journey, insights, and lessons learned along the way. Lisa’s Journey Fueled by a passion for purposeful leadership and continuous growth, Lisa built her career in the events and marketing industry. Her company initially focused on events and marketing, but is...
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We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the incredible Iain Morrison today! Iain has spent years working behind the scenes to help global superstars bring their spectacular shows to Australian audiences. Several years ago, he launched his company, The Imagination Collaborative. He joins us today to share his journey and insights from his remarkable career in the events industry. Iain’s Journey Iain built his career behind the scenes of the world’s biggest concerts, working with global stars like Pink, the Foo Fighters, U2, Taylor Swift, and Adele. After decades of running...
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We are thrilled to welcome Neen James, the expert on luxury experiences, back on the show today! Neen is currently releasing her fourth book, Exceptional Experiences. She is one of the brightest and most data-driven thinkers in the events business, and everything she does and writes about is grounded in research. She joins us today to share her insights on luxury experiences and discuss Mark Cuban’s thought-provoking notion that AI will encourage people to connect more in-person and enjoy exceptional human experiences more than ever before. Neen’s Journey Neen...
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We are delighted to welcome the inspiring Sepideh Eivazi as our guest today. Sepideh is on a mission to move everyone she encounters, leaving them changed and feeling seen. She is a 2025 inductee of the Smart Meetings Hall of Fame, a Smart Speaker, a 40 Under 40 honoree, and a 2025 Meetings Today Trendsetter. Her powerful TED Talk, Breath as an Act of Rebellion, has inspired audiences around the world. She joins us today to share her journey and insights. This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before...
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Today, Eric is thrilled to welcome Shannon Thaler Cherry as his guest. Shannon began her career as a model before pivoting to become a successful journalist, emcee, and host. She now leads content sessions at trade shows, corporate events, webinars, awards shows, and other events. Tune in as she shares her journey and the nuances and facets of the dynamic career she has built. Bio: Shannon Thaler Cherry At just 26, Shannon Thaler Cherry has already built over a decade of professional experience. Today, she works as a full-time content specialist, out of NYC, contributing...
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When Eric did his very first public speaking experience, he almost became paralyzed with fear. But that moment also taught him a lasting lesson. Tune in today to hear what happened and how Eric discovered an antidote to fear and procrastination. Taking the First Step When you have done something once, the second time becomes easier. Action is the antidote to fear and procrastination. Procrastination vs. Action Planning and scheduling may feel productive, but without action, nothing changes. Many of us hide behind learning and preparation, but progress only comes when we move...
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Today, Eric is delighted to welcome Melva LaJoy Legrand as his guest. Melva is an icon in our industry, having built an impressive career that spans the US, France, and Europe, earning numerous recognitions along the way. In this episode, she shares her journey and discusses the honors she received within the industry, offering inspiration and insights for solopreneurs and small business owners. Her Journey Melva began her career as a teacher, but her creative spark kept pulling her in a different direction. A volunteering stint at a radio station one summer introduced her to...
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Today, Eric is excited to welcome Megan Nolan, the founder of Vitality Wellness in Maui. With extensive experience in yoga, mental health, and wellbeing, Megan brings powerful tools to support small business owners and professionals within the meetings and events industry. About Megan Nolan Megan Nolan is a yoga teacher and personal trainer based in Maui. She combines movement, mindfulness, and strength training to help people improve their posture, energy, and mental focus. Beyond individual sessions, she specializes in bringing wellness into the conference and events industry...
info_outlineToday, Eric shares five standout books he read this summer. As a passionate reader of 25–30 books a year, he found these books particularly impactful for both business and life.
The Last Lecture — Randy Pausch & Jeffrey Zaslow
This moving and timeless book was written by computer science professor Randy Pausch, as his final lecture after getting a terminal diagnosis. It blends philosophy, practical wisdom, and personal stories, offering lessons on living with purpose, nurturing relationships, and leaving a legacy. It is a book to hold onto for life, and to pass on to the next generation.
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals — Oliver Burkeman
Burkeman reframes time management by reminding us we only have about 4,000 weeks on earth. Instead of chasing endless productivity, he shows how to prioritize what truly matters. The book combines humor, philosophy, and practical tools for blocking, organizing, and auditing time. It is valuable for both business and personal life.
Living with a SEAL: 31 Days Training with the Toughest Man on the Planet — Jesse Itzler
In this book, entrepreneur Jesse Itzler recounts a month of intense training with a Navy SEAL. His experience is raw, funny, and motivating, pushing readers to go beyond excuses and embrace discipline, resilience, and grit. It is a high-energy reminder that we are capable of far more than we think.
Make Your Own Luck: Success Tactics You Won’t Learn in Business School — Peter Kash
Written by entrepreneur and venture capitalist Peter Kash, this book explores how to create luck by preparing, persevering, and being open to opportunity. Through vivid personal stories, he shows how readiness and mindset can transform challenges into breakthroughs. It is a guide to moving forward, even in uncertain times.
Fool Me Once: Scams, Stories, and Secrets from the Trillion-Dollar Fraud Industry — Kelly Richmond Pope
In this book, forensic accounting professor Kelly Richmond Pope reveals the hidden world of fraud, from small-town scandals to billion-dollar schemes. Drawing on her TED Talk and Netflix documentary All the Queen’s Horses, she highlights the risks of misplaced trust and the importance of vigilance in business. It is an eye-opening and essential read for entrepreneurs.
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