The Change Energizer Podcast

Welcome to The Change Energizer podcast, where leaders are dropped into the hot seat to open up about high-stakes wins and reveal the truth behind their triumphs. Join host Scott Carley, THE Change Energizer, as he explores how confidence of character and expertise can transform teams. When trust is strong, teams don't just perform—they pull off the impossible. Tune in to hear inspiring stories and gain insights that will energize your approach to leadership and trust-building.

Kyle Jones on Unbiased Broker Advice & Why Your Agent Should Lose Money For You | Episode 16 01/24/2026

Kyle Jones on Unbiased Broker Advice & Why Your Agent Should Lose Money For You | Episode 16 Welcome to The Change Energizer Hot Seat Podcast! This is where top leaders are dropped into the hot seat to open up about high-stakes wins and reveal the "Trust X-Factor" behind their triumphs. In this episode, host Scott Carley puts Kyle Jones, an agency owner and expert broker at Goosehead Insurance, in the Hot Seat to answer the trust-based questions every client is silently asking about their insurance professional. Kyle, an agent with nearly 20 years of experience, peels back the curtain on the insurance industry, explaining the crucial difference between a captive agent and an independent broker and why he's willing to lose commission to ensure his clients have the absolute best coverage. 🔑 Key Takeaways & Discussion Highlights: 01:13 - Who Kyle Jones Serves: The core of the Goosehead business (home and auto) and the expanded protection for boats, motorcycles, investment properties, and umbrella coverage. 03:04 - How Brokers Choose Products: Using top-notch technology to shop the entire market and find a tailored solution, not just the easiest or cheapest option. 05:30 - Working for the Client, Not the Carrier: Kyle explains the "negotiation table" analogy that defines an independent broker vs. a captive agent. He also shares why their model removes agent bonuses, eliminating incentives to favor one company over another. 08:53 - Availability After the Sale: The long-term approach to client relationships and the service team backing Kyle up for day-to-day policy needs. 11:31 - Handling Premium Increases: The proactive strategy of re-shopping the market to offset statewide rate increases, a key benefit of using a broker. 14:43 - Evaluating Client Needs & Risk: Proactively identifying liability exposures like pools, teenage drivers, investment properties, and regional risks (wildfire, hail, flood) to ensure clients have an umbrella policy for complete protection. 20:14 - The Claims Support Process: Why you should call your agent before filing a claim, the impact claims have on your record, and how the team advocates for clients with the carrier's licensed claims adjusters (especially in cases of "ghosting"). 23:49 - Keeping Policies Current as Life Changes: Making sure policies are updated when a home becomes a rental property and how a "dashboard" alerts the agency to abnormal rate increases. 31:20 - The Broker Mindset: The difference between being an "order taker" and an "insurance advisor" who curates the right, non-negotiable coverage for the client. Connect with Guest Kyle Jones (Goosehead Insurance): Direct Line: 512-851-1198 Office Line: 512-572-6772 Email: kyle.jones@goosehead.com Website/Quote: Connect with The Change Energizer Scott Carley: Book a call with Scott: /episode/index/show/04814ad9-0009-4408-afef-cff78e0c2a78/id/39857980

Michelle Villalobos on Building a High-Trust, Recurring-Revenue Group Coaching Model - Episode 15 01/09/2026

Ralph Peterson on Process Management and Controversial Rules for High-Trust Organizations 12/26/2025

Ralph Peterson on Process Management and Controversial Rules for High-Trust Organizations In this episode of the Change Energizer Podcast, host Scott Carley, The Trust Energizer, puts Ralph Peterson, the unapologetically pro-manager, in the hot seat. Ralph, a management development coach and process engineer, challenges the most widely accepted leadership wisdom, arguing that a manager's commitment to responsibility is the real game-changer. Ralph cuts through the noise on critical industry issues: Pro-Manager Stance: Discover why Ralph believes the common phrase "employees don't quit organizations, they quit bad bosses" is "BS," and why great managers are desperately needed and far outnumber poor employees. The Customer's Priority: Learn Ralph's controversial take on why the customer, especially in long-term and end-of-life care, is the single most important person in any business, ahead of employees. Staffing is a Process Problem: Ralph reveals why "short-staffed" is a misnomer, arguing that healthcare facilities face a process problem, not a staffing problem. Find out how to create multiple job routines to navigate unexpected call-outs without chaos. Culture & Hygiene Theory: Get a masterclass on organizational culture, where Ralph breaks down Frederick Herzberg's Hygiene Theory to explain why perks like PTO and bagels will never create high-performing employees. Creating a Safe Culture: Understand the Manager's True Job: To act as the "police officer" who enforces organizational values—the "rules of the road"—to maintain a safe, high-trust environment where the organization's mission can thrive. Ralph's 5 Rules for Managers: Hear the non-negotiable rules Ralph gives to his clients to ensure managers are leading by example. This conversation offers a raw, evidence-based insight into what it takes to build a truly accountable and effective leadership team, especially for nursing home administrators and senior living executives navigating compliance and caregiver burnout. Don't forget to like this video, subscribe to The Change Energizer Podcast, and share this with a manager who needs to hear this message! /episode/index/show/04814ad9-0009-4408-afef-cff78e0c2a78/id/39499690

Tycha Kimbrough on 8 Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Divorce Lawyer - Episode 13 12/12/2025

Heather Emerson on How to Build Trust from a Distance: Setting KPIs with Your Offshore Partner 11/29/2025

Heather Emerson on How to Build Trust from a Distance: Setting KPIs with Your Offshore Partner Welcome to the Change Energizer Hot Seat, where we uncover the Trust X-Factor behind legendary business triumphs. In this episode, host Scott Carly puts Heather Emerson, CEO of Offshore Launch, in the Hot Seat. Heather's company is revolutionizing how US businesses scale by staffing highly-vetted virtual assistants (VAs) from the Philippines. If you’re feeling the squeeze of doing admin tasks instead of income-producing activities, this episode is your game-changer. In this episode, you will learn... The Truth About Geo Arbitrage: Why the term "cheap labor" is a misconception, and how a high-quality offshore VA can be an attorney or full-on professional who makes better money building your dream. The Trust X-Factor in Vetting: The rigorous, multi-step "headhunting" process, including civil background checks, AI-driven social media investigations, and "Easter eggs" in job postings, to ensure VAs meet the core standards: "I close the loop. I take initiative. I follow through." How to Delegate for Growth: Heather breaks down the four Zones of Work—Genius, Excellence, Competence, and Incompetence—and provides a simple but powerful framework for deciding what to delegate immediately to amplify your output. Overcoming the Two "Offshore Elephants": Straight answers on English fluency (they screen for your accent preference) and data security (including a one-click lockout, cyber security team, and full legal recourse via a registered entity in the Philippines). Setting the Right Expectations: What the first 30 days of working with a VA should look like, how KPIs are used, and why a "yellow flag" in the honeymoon period is a "red flag." Heather also shares the incredible story of her second-ever client—a roofing company—whose VA helped them become the #1 sales team in a $50 million company. Don't miss the key to scaling beyond yourself. Connect with the Guest... Website: offshorelaunch.com Email: Connect with Scott Carly, the Trust Energizer... Email: Find out more about the Trust Credit Score and how it can transform your team communication and client relationships. /episode/index/show/04814ad9-0009-4408-afef-cff78e0c2a78/id/39231115

Jennifer Ivy on Using the Trust Credit Score for Hiring, Development, Promotion & Recovery 11/14/2025

Patty Dominguez on Building Credibility, Authority, and Longevity in The Trust Economy 10/31/2025

Scott Carley on Being the Change Energizer, Building Trust, and His New Book and Podcast - Episode 9 10/17/2025

Ken Kladouris on Igniting Your Potential: Real Strategies for Wealth and Personal Growth - Episode 8 10/03/2025

Ken Kladouris on Igniting Your Potential: Real Strategies for Wealth and Personal Growth - Episode 8 Welcome to the Change Energizer (Hot Seat) Podcast! In this episode, host Scott Carly sits down with Ken Kladouris, president of Platinum Wealth Group and founder of Seize The Second. Ken takes us on a journey through his professional and personal triumphs, revealing the "Trust X-Factor" behind his success. Discover how Ken's Platinum Wealth Group specializes in 1031 Exchange real estate transactions, offering clients a passive income solution free from the typical headaches of property ownership. Learn about Seize The Second, his passion project dedicated to helping individuals tap into their authentic selves, shed limiting beliefs, and accelerate their life missions and dreams. Ken shares a powerful personal story about facing his "wildest high-stakes challenge" by spending five days in complete silence. He reveals the profound lessons learned from this experience, including a deep understanding of impermanence and the importance of observing one's thoughts rather than being controlled by them. The conversation explores how Ken helps clients decode their chaos and implement real strategies, often utilizing personality assessments to empower them to lean into their natural strengths. He emphasizes the critical role of a clear life vision and the transformative power of honesty in building strong, trusting relationships. Hear a compelling client success story that illustrates how an honest conversation can lead to extraordinary personal and business growth. This episode also explores the significance of conscious energy, taking purposeful action, and cultivating internal motivation for sustainable growth. Finally, Ken highlights the invaluable role of a supportive team, sharing how trusting his team allows him to pursue personal growth, which in turn empowers them to step up and excel. Tune in to gain actionable insights on building wealth, fostering self-discovery, and creating a life of purpose and fulfillment. If you're ready to build trust with your prospects and energize your team, head to to book a quick call with Scott Carley. /episode/index/show/04814ad9-0009-4408-afef-cff78e0c2a78/id/39518170

Steve Harper on Building Trust and Authentic Connections - A Double-Sized Episode 7 09/19/2025

Steve Harper on Building Trust and Authentic Connections - A Double-Sized Episode 7 In this double-sized episode of the Change Energizer (Hot Seat) podcast, host Scott Carley, the Trust Energizer, welcomes Steve Harper, author of "The Ripple Effect: Maximizing the Power of Relationships for Your Life and Business." Steve and Scott get into the crucial role of authentic, trust-based relationships in both personal and professional success, moving beyond traditional, often transactional, networking. You don’t want to miss this episode! Key discussion points include: The Ripple Effect Defined: Steve explains his concept of taking actions, large or small, that positively impact others. The Foundation of Trust: The conversation emphasizes that genuine trust is built through consistent investment, curiosity, and a sincere desire to support others. Quality Over Quantity: Both Steve and Scott advocate for prioritizing high-quality, value-aligned connections over simply accumulating a large network. Human Connection in the Digital Age: They discuss the paradox of increased digital connectivity leading to greater isolation and the growing importance of authentic conversation skills. Real-World Application: Steve shares a powerful story of a company in financial distress that turned around by focusing on client relationships. Practical Connection Strategies: Learn tips for effective engagement, including going beyond the elevator pitch, being genuinely curious, and finding common ground. Steve also reveals his "outer rim" networking strategy. Culture and Team: Steve discusses how the "ripple" philosophy is embedded in his company's DNA, and how his team has become advocates for building strong relationships. Tune in to learn how you can cultivate a "trust tribe" and create positive ripples that will return to you in meaningful ways, both personally and professionally. If you're ready to build trust with your prospects and energize your team, head to to book a quick call with Scott Carley. /episode/index/show/04814ad9-0009-4408-afef-cff78e0c2a78/id/38285435

Sonny Melendrez on Leveraging Your Enthusiasm to Build Trust and Influence - Episode 6 09/05/2025

Sonny Melendrez on Leveraging Your Enthusiasm to Build Trust and Influence - Episode 6 Join your host, Scott Carley, as he welcomes legendary radio host and motivational speaker Sonny Melendrez to the hot seat. Discover how Sonny's career, spanning decades in entertainment, has been built on a foundation of trust, influence, and "intentional enthusiasm." In this episode, you'll hear: - Sonny recounts the unbelievable story of being "buried alive" to raise money for charity, demonstrating the power of commitment and cause. - Learn Sonny's unique approach to connecting with an audience, including his practice of shadowing a Frost Bank teller to truly understand their challenges. - Sonny shares the three pillars of his message and how he uses his life experiences to inspire others. - Scott and Sonny discuss the crucial importance of genuine curiosity and connection with people, highlighting how a simple, sincere compliment can have a lasting impact. - Discover why storytelling is the most effective form of communication and how it allows an audience to create their own "movie in their head." - Sonny reveals his secret for connecting with an audience in the first few seconds. - Explore how Sonny ensures his presentations lead to lasting change, often by engaging with audience members individually before and after his talks. - Sonny reflects on his consistent message of optimism, fun, and encouragement throughout his career, emphasizing the importance of "game time" energy. - Learn how Sonny has cultivated a dedicated following over decades by using his platform for public service and positive influence. This episode is packed with insights for leaders, speakers, and anyone looking to build stronger relationships and elevate their "trust credit score." If you're ready to build trust with your prospects and energize your team, head to to book a quick call with Scott Carley. /episode/index/show/04814ad9-0009-4408-afef-cff78e0c2a78/id/38104255

Mario Robles on How Financial Efficiency Equals Trust - Episode 5 08/22/2025

Dillon Zwick on Navigating High-Stakes Turnarounds & Building Trust in Crisis - Episode 4 08/08/2025

Dillon Zwick on Navigating High-Stakes Turnarounds & Building Trust in Crisis - Episode 4 In this episode of The Change Energizer Podcast, host Scott Carley puts Dillon Zwick of Meadowlark Advisors in the hot seat. Dillon, a leading expert in turnaround management consultancy, reveals the trust “X-factor” behind their triumphs in high-stakes business challenges. From navigating multi-million dollar companies on the brink of collapse to dealing with environmental disasters (with criminal charges), Dillon shares unscripted insights into how trust is built, earned, and protected when everything is on the line. Discover how Meadowlark Advisors brings stability, clarity, and realistic solutions to distressed businesses, and why knowing when to use "bankruptcy as a tool" can be the ultimate game-changer. Key Takeaways: What is boutique turnaround management consultancy? The radioactive phosphogypsum stack is an environmental disaster. It has led to criminal charges and negotiations with the EPA and state AG to save a bankrupt company. Core values of being creative, capable, and candid – delivering hard truths early on with empathy. The importance of candid communication to prevent rumors and empower stakeholders, and why "silence doesn't fix trust issues; it compounds them." Demystifying bankruptcy as a powerful, albeit expensive, tool for business revitalization, not a sign of failure. The psychology of turnaround management – generating support for change when people are invested in old ways. Rebuilding trust in crisis situations (e.g., securities fraud indictment), focusing on the future, supporting issues, and providing resources. Focusing on facts and tailored solutions over theoretical approaches, fixing problems and enacting change. Connect with Dillon: Interested in building trust and being featured on The Change Energizer Podcast? Visit CallTheEnergizer.com to book a call with Scott Carley and gain a personalized trust profile. /episode/index/show/04814ad9-0009-4408-afef-cff78e0c2a78/id/37738150

Sandra Tru on Honoring Truth Above All Things - Episode 3 07/25/2025

Sandra Tru on Honoring Truth Above All Things - Episode 3 In this episode of the Change Energizer podcast, host Scott Carley puts Sandra Tru, a Certified Life Coach at Tru Soul Alchemy, in the hot seat. Sandra, originally from Colombia, raised in New York, and residing in Miami, shares her expertise in helping leaders, who have achieved much but feel unfulfilled, to reconnect with their soul, nervous system, and voice. She explains how her multi-dimensional "soul set" system works through unconscious programming and behavioral neurolinguistic programming (NLP) to help people stop performing and start living a joyful life true to themselves. The conversation looks into how Sandra helped Scott Carley himself repair trust in himself, emphasizing that building self-trust is crucial for success. Key Takeaways: The Soulset System: Sandra's multi-dimensional system helps leaders reconnect to their soul, nervous system, and voice to live a life true to them. It works through unconscious programming, connecting to an emerging true vision and behavioral neurolinguistic programming. Trusting Yourself First: Scott Carley highlights how Sandra helped him raise his own "trust credit score," emphasizing that you need to raise your own trust credit score to be successful. Overcoming Unconscious Expectations: Many people unconsciously expect bad things to happen in the future because of past experiences, leading to performance-driven actions rather than addressing underlying needs for emotional integration. The Importance of Calmness and Safety: When seeking a guide or mentor, trust your body's signal of calmness as an indicator of a safe space for vulnerability and growth. Seeing Beneath the Surface: Sandra's gift is seeing clients beyond their external roles and burdens, facilitating the natural emergence of their potent, unique truth. Moving from Victimhood to Freedom: By regulating the nervous system and rising in frequency, clients can shift from a victim mentality to seeing possibilities and initiating quantum reprogramming. Reconnecting to Inner Compass: The work helps individuals reconnect to their inner compass, understanding that detours or "voids" are often moments of transformation that offer wisdom when leaned into with care. Grounding Truth in Actionable Ways: Insights gained are grounded in actionable ways, leading to new habits or "healthy addictions" that align with one's truth, ultimately bringing rest and purpose. Owning Your Story: Looking at original triggers and changing the memory of past experiences allows individuals to own their story with pride, recognizing challenges as gifts that build self-esteem and worth. Connect with Sandra Tru: https://sandratru.com/ Connect with Scott Carley, The Trust Energizer, and to learn more about the Hot Seat Trust Certified Pro Interview Package: /episode/index/show/04814ad9-0009-4408-afef-cff78e0c2a78/id/37550800

Scott Schiller on Trust-Based Financial Guidance - Episode 2 07/11/2025

Scott Schiller on Trust-Based Financial Guidance - Episode 2 Learn how to build a high-trust financial strategy that brings you peace of mind. In this episode of the Change Energizer podcast, host Scott Carley puts Scott Schiller, a Certified Financial Planner from Platinum Wealth Solutions, in the hot seat. Scott Schiller reveals what it truly takes to build a high-trust financial culture and deliver significant results for clients. He clarifies the role of a financial planner versus an advisor and shares how he navigates emotionally charged situations to bring calm and clarity to his clients' financial lives. The conversation emphasizes the importance of building trust, understanding client goals, transparent communication about fees, and providing steady guidance during market fluctuations. Scott Schiller also discusses the importance of a "personal family office" approach, connecting clients with trusted professionals in tax, legal, and insurance. Key Takeaways: Financial Planner vs. Financial Advisor: A financial planner offers a holistic view of your complete financial picture, handling everything from retirement to college planning, unlike an advisor who might focus on a single aspect. The Power of Planning: Hope is not a strategy; planning is. Scott Schiller stresses the importance of tailored financial plans that are living, breathing documents, constantly updated to reflect life changes. Building Trust: The core of Scott Schiller's practice is establishing deep trust. He proactively asks about clients' most important goals before discussing numbers, and aims for lifelong client relationships. Fiduciary Responsibility: Scott Schiller operates as a true fiduciary, always putting the client's best interest first, with full transparency on all costs and earnings. He explains different fee models (commission, asset-based, hourly) and how he chooses what's best for the client. Guidance in Shaky Markets: A key value of a financial planner is providing calm and confident leadership during market turmoil. Scott Schiller emphasizes that long-term returns come more from client behavior management than investment selection, and he proactively communicates with clients during downturns. "Personal Family Office" Concept: Scott Schiller advocates for clients to build their own "personal family office" by having a trusted team, including a Certified Financial Planner, a CPA/tax professional, and an estate planning attorney, to ensure comprehensive financial and legal advice. Learn more about the Hot Seat Certified Pro Interview Package: trustenergizer.com /episode/index/show/04814ad9-0009-4408-afef-cff78e0c2a78/id/37377975

Nick Boyd on Leading with Trust in Commercial Realty - Episode 1 06/27/2025

Nick Boyd on Leading with Trust in Commercial Realty - Episode 1 On this episode of The Change Energizer, host Scott Carley, the Trust Energizer, sits down with Nick Boyd of Confido Commercial Realty. Nick, a specialist in Austin's office and industrial real estate market, shares insights on navigating high-stakes challenges and the importance of trust in business. Key topics covered: Market Expertise: Nick discusses how his deep knowledge of Austin's zoning, trends, and neighborhood dynamics helps clients find the best commercial properties, saving them time and increasing trust. Prioritizing Client Needs: He explains his commitment to prioritizing client success over commissions, sharing an example of advising a client to consider other markets for their benefit, even if it meant a potential loss of commission for him. Effective Negotiation: Nick highlights his negotiation strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding a client's definition of success beyond just price, and how he leverages his expertise to secure the best terms. Access to Off-Market Deals: He reveals how his extensive network and specialized focus lead to exclusive off-market opportunities, saving clients significant time and money. Transparency and Risk Assessment: Nick stresses the importance of honesty about property risks and challenges, giving an example of proactively identifying flood plain issues to protect a client from a costly mistake. Building a Strong Network: He shares how his curated network of trusted inspectors, lenders, attorneys, and contractors provides comprehensive support to clients, ensuring successful projects. The SIOR Certification: Nick introduces the prestigious Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) certification, explaining its history, rigorous ethical standards, and how it demonstrates his commitment to integrity and market knowledge. Nick concludes by emphasizing that the business should always lead the real estate, advising business owners to focus on what's best for their core operations rather than chasing seemingly good deals. Learn more about the Hot Seat Certified Pro Interview Package: trustenergizer.com /episode/index/show/04814ad9-0009-4408-afef-cff78e0c2a78/id/37177675

The Change Energizer Podcast

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