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Jason P. Carroll is the Founder and CEO of Aptive Index, a psychometric technology company that leverages AI and behavioral science to help organizations build stronger, more effective teams. As the former President of Champion National Security, Jason grew Champion's revenue from $20 million to $80 million. Aptive Index's groundbreaking AI tool "Aria" is now adopted by leading organizations — including sports teams and entrepreneurs — for hiring, leadership, and even personal relationships. In this episode… Team dynamics can feel like an unsolvable puzzle — so many personalities, hidden motivations, and unpredictable interactions. What if there were a way to understand those behaviors not just anecdotally, but through real data, helping you make smarter decisions in hiring, promotions, and team alignment? According to Jason P. Carroll, a leader in behavioral science and AI-driven assessments, the key lies in combining psychometrics with advanced analytics to uncover patterns that humans alone often miss. He explains that by mapping behavioral data to workplace performance, teams can resolve conflicts, optimize roles, and even strengthen personal relationships. The broader impact, he notes, lies in creating workplaces where individuals are understood, valued, and empowered to thrive. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Jason P. Carroll, Founder and CEO of Aptive Index, to discuss AI-powered behavioral data. Learn how it's transforming hiring, guiding team dynamics, and improving leadership decisions. Jason also shares insights on applying these tools beyond work, including personal relationships.

Jeffrey Oakman is the Founding Director of the New Jersey AI Hub, an innovation center affiliated with Princeton University that accelerates artificial intelligence research, entrepreneurship, and workforce development for the state of New Jersey. Under his leadership, the AI Hub has brought together major partners such as Princeton University and Microsoft, launched a 6,500-square-foot coworking and event space, and initiated statewide programs including a registered apprenticeship in AI and machine learning. Jeffrey previously served as policy advisor to the Governor of New Jersey and has a background that includes working in the White House and earning an additional degree after his undergraduate years at Rice University. In this episode… AI is moving fast enough to make entire industries feel like they are trying to build the plane while flying it. So how can a state turn that uncertainty into real economic opportunity? For Jeffrey Oakman, the key lies in building the right ecosystem around AI, not just chasing the newest tool. Drawing from his experience in economic development, workforce policy, and innovation strategy, Jeffrey explains that New Jersey's approach is about connecting research institutions, startups, industry partners, and talent pipelines so ideas can move from labs into real-world use. His central argument is clear: AI's future hinges on expanding access, strengthening training, and encouraging responsible adoption so workers and smaller organizations can keep pace rather than fall behind. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Jeffrey Oakman, Founding Director of the New Jersey AI Hub about shaping New Jersey's AI future. They discuss building an AI innovation hub, supporting startups, preparing workers through upskilling, and using AI to accelerate scientific discovery. Jeffrey also talks about responsible AI adoption.

Don Ho is the Co-founder and CEO of Kaizen AI Lab, where he helps mid-market businesses implement practical AI systems with built-in governance and measurable ROI. Under his leadership, Kaizen AI Lab has helped clients replace expensive, legacy software systems — such as a $300,000-per-year enterprise tool — with custom AI-driven solutions in a matter of weeks, while ensuring rigorous cybersecurity and compliance standards. Don is a recovering attorney, a former tea and coffee shop entrepreneur, and an early adopter of emerging technologies, having successfully navigated industries from retail to law to AI. In this episode… Companies do not always need another bloated software renewal to solve a recurring operational problem. Sometimes the bigger opportunity is asking what AI can rebuild, streamline, or replace entirely, but how far can that really go? For Don Ho, the answer is that AI is already practical enough to replace major enterprise tools when it is applied with the right strategy, governance, and technical oversight. Drawing from his experience as an attorney turned AI solutions builder, Don explains how his team helped a client replicate a $300,000-per-year software system in about five weeks while accounting for cybersecurity, PII, HIPAA concerns, and penetration testing. His perspective shows that AI is no longer just a productivity add-on; it can become a serious business infrastructure decision when leaders understand both the promise and the risks. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Don Ho, Co-founder and CEO of Kaizen AI Lab, about replacing expensive software with practical AI solutions. Don talks about building a $300K software alternative, using AI agents for implementation, and setting realistic expectations around AI adoption. He also shares advice on governance, compliance, and choosing the right use cases.

Derek Kalles is the Founder and CEO of Kalles Group, a Seattle-based consulting firm specializing in cybersecurity and engineering solutions for organizations navigating today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. Under his leadership, Kalles Group has built a reputation for human-centric security practices and boasts an impressive client roster. In addition to his main venture, Derek is a serial entrepreneur with multiple businesses across property management and AI-driven sales, and has shared valuable lessons from both successes and pivots. In this episode… Some entrepreneurs build companies to chase growth, while others build them to create a life big enough for the people and adventures that matter most. What does it take to design businesses that can keep moving forward, even when the founder is halfway across the world? For Derek Kalles, a lifelong builder and multi-business entrepreneur, the answer is people, systems, and the willingness to let go of being the hero. He explains that working with great people makes it possible to operationalize and sustain multiple ventures, whether it's cybersecurity consulting, property management, finance, or AI. That mindset has allowed him to keep building while also creating room for family, travel, and a leadership style that empowers others to step up. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Derek Kalles, CEO of Kalles Group, about building businesses for adventure. Derek talks about launching multiple ventures, navigating AI and cybersecurity risks, and living in Spain with his family. Derek also shares advice on balancing founder instincts with leadership-led growth.

Josh Levine is the Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Color More Lines, a boutique e-commerce consulting firm that helps brands accelerate growth on Amazon and Walmart by providing a white-glove, performance-based service. Under Josh's leadership, Color More Lines has scaled brands to impressive growth, leveraging a team of experienced e-commerce experts and helping clients navigate the world's leading retail platforms. With a diverse background spanning government, technology, and entertainment, Josh has held roles at Microsoft and Disney. He is known for his growth strategy expertise and dynamic career journey, which includes working at the White House before launching successful tech ventures. He is also the Managing Partner at Growth Avenue, an advisory firm helping entrepreneurial CEOs scale smarter, exit faster, and win defining moments. In this episode… Many professionals want to build meaningful relationships with influential leaders, but figuring out how to break through can feel overwhelming. When your career spans politics, global tech companies, and entrepreneurship, the stakes — and the lessons —mrise even higher. What does it actually take to turn unexpected challenges into long-term success and lasting connections? Josh Levine, an expert in e-commerce growth and strategic partnerships, learned this firsthand. Early experiences — from being kicked out of a baseball card convention at 13 to navigating fast-paced work in the Clinton White House — taught Josh how adaptability and genuine rapport open doors. Josh later drove major initiatives at Disney and Microsoft, including negotiating the first Google–Microsoft collaboration, before weathering the unpredictable world of Silicon Valley startups. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Josh Levine, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Color More Lines, about forging meaningful industry connections. Josh also discusses navigating major career pivots, lessons from high-pressure roles, and how curiosity fuels innovation in a rapidly changing landscape.

Emanuel Rose is the CEO of Strategic eMarketing, which helps B2B companies in IT services, SaaS, and financial services generate high-quality leads through innovative marketing strategies. With over 25 years of experience as an author, speaker, and B2B marketing strategist, Emanuel is widely recognized for his work integrating AI and automation into marketing. He explores these innovations on his podcast, Marketing in the Age of AI. In this episode… Some business eras evolve; others hit like a tidal shift — and AI-driven marketing sits squarely in the latter. Tools are advancing faster than teams can adapt, leaving many torn between excitement and overwhelm. How do you cut through the noise and navigate these rapid industry changes? According to Emanuel Rose, a veteran B2B marketing strategist and early adopter of AI in real-world marketing workflows, the path forward starts with practicality, not panic. He believes the biggest opportunity right now isn't flashy automation or massive content output — winning back time by offloading the mundane tasks that bog teams down. Emanuel explains how AI personalizes outreach, from analyzing a prospect's online presence to spotting natural conversation openings. He compares this period to the rise of social media in the early 2010s: a disruptive force that rewards those who stay one chapter ahead. For Emanuel, the real advantage goes to businesses that use AI responsibly — not those chasing trends. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Emanuel Rose, the CEO of Strategic eMarketing, to discuss how AI is reshaping modern marketing. They explore why personalization at scale is finally within reach, how to avoid the common missteps companies make with AI-driven outreach, and what generative search means for the future of SEO. Emanuel also shares his approach to blending automation with authentic human connection.

Jennifer McPherson is the President of Chickenango Marketing Solutions. The company specializes in public outreach and marketing for government agencies, and branding, design, and proposal writing for the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) sector. Jennifer started her company at age 46 after gaining 27 years of experience in the AEC industry, and she is now launching Chickenango University, an educational program aimed at enhancing marketing and business development skills in the AEC space. In this episode… It is easy to take public infrastructure for granted — until a new project appears in your neighborhood and suddenly changes your daily rhythm. People want to understand what is happening, why it matters, and how it affects their lives, yet updates are often buried in technical language or arrive far too late. How can agencies and contractors communicate these massive, complex projects in a way that builds trust rather than frustration? According to Jennifer McPherson, a veteran communicator in the infrastructure world, the answer starts with meeting people where they are — literally. She explains that effective engagement hinges on clear, human conversation rather than engineering jargon. Instead of expecting residents to attend formal meetings, her team shows up in the places where real life happens: ice cream shops, street festivals, school events, even sidewalks along busy corridors. These moments create space for honest feedback, especially when tensions run high. And when people feel heard, Jennifer says, they become more open to the bigger picture and the long-term benefits behind the disruption. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Jennifer McPherson, President of Chickenango Marketing Solutions, to discuss how to build trust and engagement through public infrastructure communication. They explore the shift from traditional public meetings to creative pop-up outreach, how to translate engineering language into something the public can actually understand, and why active listening matters more than polished messaging.

John Corcoran is a recovering attorney, an author, and a former White House writer and speechwriter to the Governor of California. Throughout his career, John has worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and run his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Since 2012, John has been the host of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, where he has interviewed hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo. John is also the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. They help their clients generate ROI through their done-for-you podcast service. In this episode… Podcasting continues to evolve, and not always in ways creators expect. One minute, the industry is celebrating growth, and the next, it is wrestling with algorithms, labeling rules, and shifting listener habits. With so many moving parts, how do hosts stay ahead without overthinking every episode? According to John Corcoran, a longtime leader in the podcasting space, the answer starts with understanding how small details can shape the listener experience. When asked about the issues podcasters should pay attention to, he points to something as simple as explicit-language labeling and how easily it can trip up creators. John explains that platforms often flag episodes automatically, sometimes even when no one has actually used a swear word, which means podcasters spend more time worrying about symbols than strategy. He also highlights how tools like accurate speech-to-text technology can transform productivity and consistency, especially when injury or busy seasons complicate content creation. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as Chad Franzen of Rise25 interviews John Corcoran to discuss the biggest issues impacting podcasts today. You will hear why explicit ratings matter more than most hosts realize, how speech-to-text tools can double your productivity, and what separates authentic B2B podcasts from forgettable ones. John also provides insights on using podcasting as a strategic tool to build relationships and grow your business.