Featured Guest Series Episodes
Welcome to the Guest Series on The Bliss Business Podcast! In this series, we spotlight exceptional leaders of companies that embody the core values of Belonging, Love, Inspiration, Service, and Sustainability. These organizations set the standard for empathy and people-centric business practices, creating positive and inclusive work environments.
Join us as we explore the stories and strategies of these remarkable companies, and gain valuable insights on integrating BLISS principles into your own business practices. Subscribe and follow us to stay updated on the latest episodes and be inspired by leaders who are making a difference.
Join us as we explore the stories and strategies of these remarkable companies, and gain valuable insights on integrating BLISS principles into your own business practices. Subscribe and follow us to stay updated on the latest episodes and be inspired by leaders who are making a difference.
July 29, 2025
Building Community and Connection in Business with Devan Kline
Devan Kline, Co-Founder and Visionary of Burn Boot Camp, explains how scaling emotional connection took his fitness brand from a $600 parking lot workout to 400 locations in 44 states. He shares the Blue Carpet Experience, championship culture, and why Burn is a confidence company that sells you on yourself.
Guest: Devan Kline
July 24, 2025
Innovative Work Models for the Future with Chris Dyer
Chris Dyer, culture catalyst, founder of PeopleG2, and author of The Power of Company Culture, explains how people-first work models replace control with trust. He shares how radical transparency, open financials, and team-based decisions made his company more profitable, and why leaders must help their people embrace change.
Guest: Chris Dyer
July 22, 2025
The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Business with Christine Heckart
Christine Heckart, CEO and Founder of Xapa and a former executive at Microsoft, Cisco, Juniper Networks, and NetApp, explains why AI resilience skills matter more than the technology itself, and how leaders build judgment, accountability, and trust so their people can grow through AI-driven change.
Guest: Christine Heckart
July 17, 2025
Building Community and Connection in Business with Tyler Wynn
Tyler Wynn, President of Ledgers USA, joins The Bliss Business Podcast to talk about reducing small business failure: why financial mismanagement sinks so many owners, how a servant mindset shapes his accounting franchise, and why hiring slowly for values keeps culture strong as a company grows.
Guest: Tyler Wynn
July 15, 2025
The Role of Empathy in Leadership with Glenn Poulos
Glenn Poulos, co-founder of Gap Wireless and author of Never Sit in the Lobby, explores empathy in sales leadership on The Bliss Business Podcast: how being a pleasure to do business with, honest feedback delivered with kindness, and a well-placed no build lasting trust with customers and teams.
Guest: Glenn Poulos
July 10, 2025
The Role of Empathy in Leadership with Holly Golebiowski
Holly Golebiowski, Partner at LeaderSkills, explains why self-awareness and empathy cannot be separated in leadership. She shares how struggling as a new regional manager led her to the coaching that became LeaderSkills, and the tools she relies on now: DISC profiles, nonviolent communication, regular feedback, and values a company actually lives.
Guest: Holly Golebiowski
June 19, 2025
Redefining Elder Care: Building Connection with Dignity and Purpose with Patricia Morrison
Patricia Morrison, a registered nurse and Founder and Owner of Social Pulse Home Care Agency, explains why socialization in elder care belongs at the center of every visit. She shares how her team protects client independence, supports family caregivers, recruits from nursing programs, and holds to its purpose as the agency grows.
Guest: Patricia Morrison
June 17, 2025
The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Business with Laura Rice
Laura Rice, Chief Marketing Officer of Celebree School, shows what EQ in marketing leadership looks like in practice: treating everybody as a customer, pausing before reacting, and building emotional intelligence into competencies, onboarding, and franchise support. Her people-first approach shows how empathy and results grow together.
Guest: Laura Rice
June 10, 2025
Building Community and Connection in Business with Tom Wood
Can business be a place where deep connection and shared purpose thrive?
đź“Š According to a report by EY and Harvard Business Review, 89% of executives believe a strong sense of collective purpose drives employee satisfaction and business success, yet only 46% say their company actually operates that way.
Join us for a new episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with guest Tom Wood, President and CEO of Floor Coverings International, a seasoned entrepreneur leading with purpose and vision.
...
đź“Š According to a report by EY and Harvard Business Review, 89% of executives believe a strong sense of collective purpose drives employee satisfaction and business success, yet only 46% say their company actually operates that way.
Join us for a new episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with guest Tom Wood, President and CEO of Floor Coverings International, a seasoned entrepreneur leading with purpose and vision.
...
Guest: Tom Wood
June 5, 2025
Innovative Work Models for the Future with Ryan Scott
Are traditional work models holding your company back?
According to Gallup, only 23% of employees worldwide are engaged at work. Disengagement costs companies billions—but it doesn’t have to.
Join us for this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast as we talk with Ryan Scott, Head of Product at DNA Behavior , about how forward-thinking companies are using behavioral insights to redesign how we work.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach and Mike Liwski
🎧 Produced by Tullio Siragusa
I...
According to Gallup, only 23% of employees worldwide are engaged at work. Disengagement costs companies billions—but it doesn’t have to.
Join us for this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast as we talk with Ryan Scott, Head of Product at DNA Behavior , about how forward-thinking companies are using behavioral insights to redesign how we work.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach and Mike Liwski
🎧 Produced by Tullio Siragusa
I...
Guest: Ryan Scott
June 3, 2025
Fostering a Culture of Inclusivity in the Workplace with Sheree Knowles
A recent McKinsey study found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams are 25% more likely to have above-average profitability. Yet, many leaders still struggle with building cultures that go beyond check-the-box diversity initiatives.
Join us live for a powerful conversation with Sheree Knowles, award-winning HR executive and CEO of HR Knowledge Source and Human Capital Academy, on how to move from diversity optics to lasting, inclusive impact.
🎙️ Host...
Join us live for a powerful conversation with Sheree Knowles, award-winning HR executive and CEO of HR Knowledge Source and Human Capital Academy, on how to move from diversity optics to lasting, inclusive impact.
🎙️ Host...
Guest: Sheree Knowles
May 29, 2025
The Role of Empathy in Leadership with Lyn Christian
Can empathy be a leadership superpower? According to McKinsey, it’s now considered a core leadership competency. Yet most companies don’t have the systems to support it.
Join us for this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with Lyn Christian , founder of SoulSalt Inc. and master certified coach, as we explore how empathy, purpose, and confidence work together to shape powerful leadership.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach & Mike Liwski
In this episode, we’ll cover:
Why empathy ...
Join us for this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with Lyn Christian , founder of SoulSalt Inc. and master certified coach, as we explore how empathy, purpose, and confidence work together to shape powerful leadership.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach & Mike Liwski
In this episode, we’ll cover:
Why empathy ...
Guest: Lyn Christian
May 27, 2025
The Role of Empathy in Leadership with Liesel Mindrebo Mertes
Empathy in Leadership: Why It’s More Than a Soft Skill
đź“Š 92% of employees say empathy is undervalued in the workplace, yet 76% believe it directly impacts productivity. (Source: Businessolver)
According to the APA, over 59% of workers report negative effects from work-related stress.
Clearly, leaders are missing a critical ingredient.
Join us for this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with Liesel Mindrebo Mertes , founder of Handle with Care, as we explore how empathy can, ...
đź“Š 92% of employees say empathy is undervalued in the workplace, yet 76% believe it directly impacts productivity. (Source: Businessolver)
According to the APA, over 59% of workers report negative effects from work-related stress.
Clearly, leaders are missing a critical ingredient.
Join us for this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with Liesel Mindrebo Mertes , founder of Handle with Care, as we explore how empathy can, ...
Guest: Liesel Mertes
May 22, 2025
Conscious Capitalism: Being Helpful and Doing Good with Colin McIntosh
Can you build a business that does good for the world and makes a profit? Colin McIntosh has done it—twice.
đź“Š According to Deloitte, purpose-driven companies grow three times faster than their competitors.And 63 percent of consumers prefer to buy from companies that reflect their values (Cone Communications).
Join us for this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with Colin McIntosh , Founder & CEO of Sheets & Giggles and SheetsResume.com, as we explore how conscious capitalism can tran...
đź“Š According to Deloitte, purpose-driven companies grow three times faster than their competitors.And 63 percent of consumers prefer to buy from companies that reflect their values (Cone Communications).
Join us for this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with Colin McIntosh , Founder & CEO of Sheets & Giggles and SheetsResume.com, as we explore how conscious capitalism can tran...
Guest: Colin McIntosh
May 20, 2025
Bereavement at Work: Setting the Standard with Justin Clifford
Grief in the Workplace: Are We Doing Enough?
đź“Š Did you know that one in nine employees in the U.S. experiences the death of a loved one each year ? Yet 51 percent of those employees leave their job within 12 months of the loss (Harvard Business Review).
Join us for an episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with Justin Clifford , CEO of Bereave, as we explore how businesses can support grieving employees with compassion, clarity, and care.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach & Tullio Siragu...
đź“Š Did you know that one in nine employees in the U.S. experiences the death of a loved one each year ? Yet 51 percent of those employees leave their job within 12 months of the loss (Harvard Business Review).
Join us for an episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with Justin Clifford , CEO of Bereave, as we explore how businesses can support grieving employees with compassion, clarity, and care.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach & Tullio Siragu...
Guest: Justin Clifford
May 15, 2025
Innovative Work Models for the Future with Carnie Fryfogle
🔎 Did you know that 70% of franchise businesses fail within their first five years ? (Source: Franchise Business Review)
But it doesn't have to be that way.
Join us for an episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with Carnie Fryfogle , CEO of CR3 American Exteriors, as we explore how empathy, innovation, and purpose can transform franchise success.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach & Mike Liwski
In this episode, we’ll discuss:
+ How Carnie’s people-first approach has helped ...
But it doesn't have to be that way.
Join us for an episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with Carnie Fryfogle , CEO of CR3 American Exteriors, as we explore how empathy, innovation, and purpose can transform franchise success.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach & Mike Liwski
In this episode, we’ll discuss:
+ How Carnie’s people-first approach has helped ...
Guest: Carnie Fryfogle
May 13, 2025
Building Community and Connection in Business with Aaron Morfin
Can a business become more than a brand—can it become a community?
Join us for an episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with Aaron Morfin , CMO of Cilantro Taco Grill, as we explore how authenticity, empathy, and connection can transform a business.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach & Mike Liwski
In this episode, we’ll discuss:
+ How Aaron built a thriving brand rooted in family values and community care
+ The systems and practices he uses to lead with empathy, both for customers and hi...
Join us for an episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with Aaron Morfin , CMO of Cilantro Taco Grill, as we explore how authenticity, empathy, and connection can transform a business.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach & Mike Liwski
In this episode, we’ll discuss:
+ How Aaron built a thriving brand rooted in family values and community care
+ The systems and practices he uses to lead with empathy, both for customers and hi...
Guest: Aaron Morfin
May 8, 2025
The Role of Empathy in Leadership with Jeff Wharton
What happens when a company grows because it puts people first—not in spite of it?
Join us for a episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with Jeff Wharton , CEO of Bloomin’ Blinds Franchise Corp, as we explore how empathy isn’t just a leadership trait—it’s a growth strategy.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach & Mike Liwski
In this episode, we’ll discuss:
+ How Jeff leads a nationwide franchise with trust and emotional intelligence
+ What it looks like to operationalize empathy ...
Join us for a episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with Jeff Wharton , CEO of Bloomin’ Blinds Franchise Corp, as we explore how empathy isn’t just a leadership trait—it’s a growth strategy.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach & Mike Liwski
In this episode, we’ll discuss:
+ How Jeff leads a nationwide franchise with trust and emotional intelligence
+ What it looks like to operationalize empathy ...
Guest: Jeff Wharton
May 6, 2025
Conscious Capitalism: The Power of Community and Connection with Shannon Wilburn
What happens when you scale a business with your values—not at the expense of them?
Join us for a powerful conversation with Shannon Wilburn , Co-founder of Shine Executive Coaching and co-founder of Just Between Friends Franchise, as we explore how conscious capitalism creates deeper trust, stronger teams, and more meaningful growth.
In this episode, we’ll unpack:
+ What it really takes to build community inside your company and with your customers
+ How to scale a values-b...
Join us for a powerful conversation with Shannon Wilburn , Co-founder of Shine Executive Coaching and co-founder of Just Between Friends Franchise, as we explore how conscious capitalism creates deeper trust, stronger teams, and more meaningful growth.
In this episode, we’ll unpack:
+ What it really takes to build community inside your company and with your customers
+ How to scale a values-b...
Guest: Shannon Wilburn
May 1, 2025
Building Companies from Ideation to Scale with Bruce Cleveland
What separates startups that fizzle from those that thrive?
Join us for an episode of The Bliss Business Podcast featuring Bruce Cleveland—founder & CEO of Traction Gap Partners, bestselling author of Traversing the Traction Gap, and the investor behind billion-dollar outcomes like Marketo, C3 AI., Vlocity, a Salesforce Company, and Doximity.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Michael Liwski & Tullio Siragusa
In this conversation, we explore:
✅ Why most companies fail in the go-to-market gap—...
Join us for an episode of The Bliss Business Podcast featuring Bruce Cleveland—founder & CEO of Traction Gap Partners, bestselling author of Traversing the Traction Gap, and the investor behind billion-dollar outcomes like Marketo, C3 AI., Vlocity, a Salesforce Company, and Doximity.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Michael Liwski & Tullio Siragusa
In this conversation, we explore:
✅ Why most companies fail in the go-to-market gap—...
Guest: Bruce Cleveland
April 29, 2025
The BLISS Roundtable: Generosity & Animosity in Times of Change
Change is inevitable—but how we lead through it determines whether we build trust or spark resistance.
Join us on The Bliss Business Podcast for a powerful roundtable conversation with some of the most forward-thinking minds in business and leadership:
🔹 Doug Kirkpatrick – Self-management expert
🔹 Lisa M. Brazelton – Organizational transformation strategist
🔹 Jose Leal – Purpose-driven systems designer
🎧 Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Tullio Siragusa, Michael Liwski
In this round table...
Join us on The Bliss Business Podcast for a powerful roundtable conversation with some of the most forward-thinking minds in business and leadership:
🔹 Doug Kirkpatrick – Self-management expert
🔹 Lisa M. Brazelton – Organizational transformation strategist
🔹 Jose Leal – Purpose-driven systems designer
🎧 Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Tullio Siragusa, Michael Liwski
In this round table...
Guests: Jose Leal , Doug Kirkpatrick , Lisa M. Brazelton , Stephen Sakach , Tullio Siragusa , Michael Liwski
April 24, 2025
Conscious Capitalism: Business Beyond Profit with John Hewitt
What happens when a company stops chasing only profit and starts building with purpose?
Join us on The Bliss Business Podcast for a powerful conversation with John Hewitt, legendary entrepreneur, founder of Jackson Hewitt, Liberty Tax, and now Loyalty Brands—a franchise network built on trust, service, and mission-driven growth.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach & Mike Liwski
In this episode, we’ll explore:
âś… How John has scaled multiple companies by leading with heart
âś… Why loyalty and...
Join us on The Bliss Business Podcast for a powerful conversation with John Hewitt, legendary entrepreneur, founder of Jackson Hewitt, Liberty Tax, and now Loyalty Brands—a franchise network built on trust, service, and mission-driven growth.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach & Mike Liwski
In this episode, we’ll explore:
âś… How John has scaled multiple companies by leading with heart
âś… Why loyalty and...
Guest: John Hewitt
April 17, 2025
Building Community and Connection in Business with Sally Facinelli
What if your business wasn’t just a brand—but a beloved part of the community?
Join us on The Bliss Business Podcast for an inspiring conversation with Sally Facinelli, CEO of Salty Dawg Pet Salon—a fast-scaling pet care brand that’s redefining what it means to lead with empathy, loyalty, and heart.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach & Mike Liwski
In this episode, we’ll explore:
âś… How to build customer and franchise loyalty through emotional connection
âś… The role of values and purpose in...
Join us on The Bliss Business Podcast for an inspiring conversation with Sally Facinelli, CEO of Salty Dawg Pet Salon—a fast-scaling pet care brand that’s redefining what it means to lead with empathy, loyalty, and heart.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach & Mike Liwski
In this episode, we’ll explore:
âś… How to build customer and franchise loyalty through emotional connection
âś… The role of values and purpose in...
Guest: Sally Facinelli
April 15, 2025
Building Community and Connection in Business with Jennifer Kaplan
In a world where marketing often feels transactional, real connection has become the competitive edge. But how do you build a community at scale—without losing the heart of your brand?
Join us on The Bliss Business Podcast as we welcome Jennifer Kaplan, founder of Evolve PR & Marketing, and a champion of purpose-driven storytelling that resonates.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach & Tullio Siragusa
In this episode, we’ll explore:
âś… How storytelling creates emotional trust with customers
...
Join us on The Bliss Business Podcast as we welcome Jennifer Kaplan, founder of Evolve PR & Marketing, and a champion of purpose-driven storytelling that resonates.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach & Tullio Siragusa
In this episode, we’ll explore:
âś… How storytelling creates emotional trust with customers
...
Guest: Jennifer Kaplan