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Brandon Steiner is an author, speaker and media personality who founded Steiner Sports, a sports marketing and memorabilia company, in 1987 and grew it into a $50 million empire and the most successful sports memorabilia company of its kind. He has worked with some of the biggest athletes and brands in the world, and also is widely known for having bought the old Yankee Stadium. Today, Brandon speaks worldwide to audiences primarily on the topic of how to grow your business by differentiating yourself from your competitors through building relationships, motivating your team, increasing productivity, and anticipating your customers’ needs. He is also the founder and CEO of CollectibleXchange and The Steiner Agency.Timestamps:1:04: Introduction2:53: Brandon discusses the impact that growing up poor had on his life.11:32: Nick and Brandon talk about what it means to provide value to your customers.15:12: Brandon reflects on his time spent as the manager of the Hard Rock Cafe in NYC.16:58: Brandon discusses how he began incorporating sports into his work.18:44: Brandon talks about how and why he launched his company Steiner Sports.22:17: Brandon talks about how he got his start with sports memorabilia.24:16: Brandon reflects on his partnership with the Yankees baseball organization.28:37: Learn about what Brandon is doing now with the Steiner Agency and Collectible Xchange.30:22: Brandon talks about some of the most memorable collectible items he has come across.34:51: Learn more about Brandon's latest book, "Living On Purpose"38:31: Brandon recalls some of his favorite lessons learned from working with great athletes.40:52: OutroResources:https://collectiblexchange.com/brandonsteiner.comConnect With Nick Nanton:WebsiteFacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube

John Ruhlin is the founder of the Ruhlin Group, a gift strategy and logistics company that helps their clients send world-class gifts that stand out, increase referrals, and strengthen retention with their clients, employees and prospects. It all started when John began applying the principles of generosity at Cutco and started making the largest deals out of all of their 1.5 million reps and distributors. Suddenly he wasn’t just selling knives, people were asking him to speak on stage and teach their sales and marketing teams. John took those principles of giving that made him so successful at Cutco and used them to build the Ruhlin Group and write his own book, Giftology. In this episode, John discusses the path that led him to where he is now and how to put the methods of generosity that he lays out in Giftology to work for you.Timestamps:0:47: Introduction3:21: John and Nick discuss their upbringing and the driving factors for becoming an entrepreneur11:06: John talks about his experience with Cutco and how it has helped him as an entrepreneur14:59: John talks about learning to work through the hard things to reach success18:04: John recounts a pivotal moment in his career and a lesson in giving27:34: John and Nick discuss the importance of giving without expectations in business31:23: John and Nick talk about practical luxuries and buying top-of-class no matter what your budget is37:42: John discusses the connection in his book between the bible and giving42:50: Why it's hard to ask employees to provide a first-class experience if they've never had one themselves and John's solution to this problem48:46: John explains how to begin to use his methods laid out in his book "Giftology"Resources:https://johnruhlin.com/John on TwitterConnect With Nick Nanton:WebsiteFacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube

Kara Goldin is the Founder and CEO of Hint, Inc., a healthy lifestyle brand best known for its flagship product, Hint Water- the number one flavored water in the United States. In building Hint, Inc into one of the most successful beverage businesses of our time, Kara has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business, Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs, EY Entrepreneur of the Year for Northern California, and the Huffington Post listed her as one of six disruptors in business, alongside Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. Kara is also the author of ‘Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters’ which recently made the Wall Street Journal’s bestseller list and is part autobiography, part business memoir and includes many insights on self-development. In this episode, we'll be talking about her career, book, and some tips to a healthier, better you!Timestamps:1:07: Kara explains the beginnings of her career5:59: Nick shares an unconventional trick that he's used to get the attention of successful people in the past8:10: Kara discusses taking initiative to get the job you want20:48: Kara talks about how she overcame feeling overworked and overstressed27:50: Kara shares how she created a business opportunity out of a healthy lifestyle change38:30: Kara and Nick elaborate on the quote "Don't be afraid to build the plane while you're flying it.Resources:karagoldin.comKara On TwitterConnect With Nick Nanton:WebsiteFacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube

Marcus Sheridan is the guest on this episode of "Now to Next." He is a highly sought-after international keynote speaker known for his powerful transformational business approach and his best-selling book, They Ask, You Answer (which happens to be one of the most impactful books I personally read this year). So naturally, we dive into some of the things Marcus discusses in his book, but we also get into topics like the blurred line between sales and marketing in businesses today, the 5 fundamental subjects people research before they engage with a company, and how content consumption affects sales. Marcus has been dubbed a “Web Marketing Guru” by the New York Times and has appeared on Forbes’ top 20 “Speakers You Don’t Want to Miss” list, so I’d highly advise tuning in to this episode for some fascinating and insightful business advice.Timestamps:2:14: Marcus's background8:19: Why businesses should be transparent with cost and price13:05: How to justify premium pricing17:25: The line between sales and marketing is blurred23:44: Marcus's answer to "If you weren't in business, who would you recommend I hire?"29:18: How content consumption affects sales39:20: Marcus discusses "Best in class"46:48: Every company is a media company50:47: Where to begin with talking points and content55:17: Learn more about MarcusResources:marcussheridan.comMarcus on LinkedInConnect With Nick Nanton:WebsiteFacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube

Lt Col Dan Rooney is the founder of the Folds of Honor organization, an F-16 Fighter Pilot with 3 combat tours in Iraq, and a PGA Golf Professional… just to name a few things, and he's this episode's "Now to Next" guest. We talk what it takes to become a fighter pilot and the major life lessons it has taught Dan. We'd also be remiss if we didn't talk about the story of the Folds of Honor non-profit organization, what prompted Dan Rooney to create it and how it's grown (and still growing) to help so many military families. Lastly, we dive into Dan's new book, Fly Into the Wind! He shares some of the "life storms" that inspired the book as well as some of the acronyms like "CAVU" and "LOE" that have become his personal code of living. Humble and heartfelt, Dan is an amazing person and someone I've been lucky enough to call a friend, and you'll want to check this episode out!Timestamps:1:10: A short bio of Dan's life2:02: Pro golf and being a fighter pilot8:01: Dan's two most important life lessons11:41: Dan discusses the importance of his faith15:19: The story behind "Folds of Honor"23:38: "Flying Into the Wind"28:56: Dan's experience learning from his mistakes31:26: Where and how to get Dan's book "Fly Into the Wind"32:04: Dan explains the acronym CAVU33:46: Dan's "Lines of Effort"34:48: Volition38:56: Eliminating Parasitic Decay42:31: Service Before Self50:44: Faith Forward53:37: Go Before You're ReadyResources:danrooney.comFolds of HonorConnect With Nick Nanton:WebsiteFacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube

Joey Coleman is the founder and “Chief Experience Composer” of Design Symphony, a customer experience branding firm, a renowned speaker, and the author of the best-selling book “Never Lose A Customer Again.” Joey has over 20 years of experience and a lot of hands-on knowledge due to an insane career path —his words. On today’s Now to Next episode, Joey shares his insights on his “First 100 Days® Methodology” in regards to keeping customers, the 8 phases of the customer experience, the eclectic career path that led to where he is today...and even some tips on the best time of day to use a four-wheeler to tow your brother (who is, of course, attached to a hang glider). This is one you won’t want to miss.Timestamps:2:22: Joey discusses his background8:52: Creativity In Business13:23: Joey's "Creativity In Business" course19:30: Customer acquisition vs. customer retention22:39: Joey's method, "The First 100 Days"25:33: Why all business exchanges are, at their core, "Human to Human"30:27: Customer experience vs. customer service33:20: 8 Phases of the Customer Experience33:45: Phase 1 - Assess45:37: Phase 2 - Admit46:50: Phase 3 - Affirm50:51: Phase 4 - Activate53:24: Phase 5 - Acclimate54:40: Phase 6 - Accomplish55:29: Phase 7 - Adopt55:40: Phase 8 - AdvocateResources:joeycoleman.comNever Lose A Customer AgainJoey On TwitterConnect With Nick Nanton:WebsiteFacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube

James Altucher is an American hedge-fund manager, author, podcaster and entrepreneur who has founded or co-founded over 20 companies. In this episode, he dives into his “Choose Yourself” mentality and what that means in terms of finding your own passions, forging your own path, and his daily practice with what he calls the four bodies (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual). James also discusses the reaction he faced (the good and the bad) after his “New York City is Dead Forever" article went viral during the pandemic. We talk reviews from the 8-part docuseries about James on Amazon Prime video that I directed, and finally James gives some insights on his new book, "Skip The Line."Timestamps:2:00: The "Choose Yourself" mentality. 5:29: James explains the four steps in The Daily Practice8:04: James gives an example of The Daily Practice working in his own life11:49: James discusses his "New York City is Dead Forever" article14:58: James discusses his writing style, cognitive dissonance, and writing a viral article.23:36: James discusses how he chooses his topics and his search for the truth28:22: James and Nick discuss feedback from their Amazon documentary series "Choose Yourself"35:04: James discusses how his constant flow of new ideas create abundance.40:11: A summary of James's new book, "Skip The Line".Resources:jamesaltucher.comJames on InstagramJames on TwitterConnect With Nick Nanton:WebsiteFacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube

Nick Nanton is joined by Dan Sullivan, the founder of Strategic Coach, to discuss his new book “Who Not How”. Sullivan, who’s coached thousands of entrepreneurs since 1974, discusses the importance of collaboration and understanding one’s own ‘Unique Abilities’ to achieve the four freedoms crucial to entrepreneurial success - the freedom of Time, Money, Relationships and Purpose.Timestamps:1:55: Dan's concept of "Unique Ability"13:50: The Four Freedoms for entrepreneurs16:05: The Freedom of Time17:10: The Freedom of Money20:44: The Freedom of Relationships21:22: The Freedom of Purpose25:15: Life is 50% luck27:25: The concept of "Who Not How"38:03: Why Dan doesn't earn money on "Who Not How" book sales41:31: The importance of win-win collaboration44:37: "Who Not How" and songwritingResources:Strategic CoachDan Sullivan on FacebookConnect With Nick Nanton:WebsiteFacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube

Dick Vitale is a wildly popular college basketball broadcaster for ESPN. Known for his unbridled enthusiasm and charismatic delivery, Dickie V first coached high school basketball, then moved to Rutgers University, the University of Detroit, and the NBA’s Detroit Pistons in a period of just nine years before joining ESPN, where he’s spent the last 40 years. Host Nick Nanton and Dick talk about the overwhelming support of Dick’s family and how it led him to undergoing corrective surgery. Nick and Dickie V also discuss the documentary they are working on together, raising money to battle pediatric cancer through the V Foundation, and his biggest failure in life involving a former player.Timestamps:2:22: How Dick has fared during the pandemic 3:29: Coronavirus and its effect on sports5:01: An eye-accident at an early-age affected Dick’s life14:25: Raising money for the V Foundation25:38 How Dick first became a basketball coach35:26: Donate to the V FoundationResources:The V FoundationCoop’s Catch"The Lost Season"Dickie V on TwitterConnect With Nick Nanton:WebsiteFacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube

Quan Huynh is the post-release program manager for Defy Ventures — a non-profit that provides opportunities to men and women with criminal histories. Host Nick Nanton and Quan talk about his new book, “Sparrow and the Razor Wire,” which begins when Quan received a sentence of 15 years-to-life for killing a man in a gang-related incident. Nick and Quan also discuss how he discovered a new path while being incarcerated that led to self-reflection and the ability to help those that may feel “stuck,” how joining and creating groups that do good in prison made Quan feel the best he ever had, and what he did during his final 150 days behind bars to officially move on. Timestamps:3:02: Moving from Vietnam to Utah and facing racism 4:37: The family then moved to California because of Quan’s father’s leukemia7:57: How to help someone when you aren't quite sure how10:23: Quan began hanging around the wrong crowd14:06: Where Quan was sent after being arrested for attempted murder at 1714:56: The day-to-day happenings in jail16:23: What happened after Quan was released on parole in 199320:08: There was no one to help transition to life on the outside21:30: Not getting a promotion at Gallup negatively affected Quan23:52: The night Quan committed murder26:59: What gets you to the point of actually shooting someone?27:56: The period of time between the shooting and being arrested29:23: Lying on trial and his subsequent conviction31:33: Life at Pelican Bay34:34: 10 years in — Quan had a moment that made him reexamine his life38:37: How Quan was looked at following his transformation and the parlay racket he passed on42:40: Cell phones in prison?44:39: Getting in front of the parole board50:05: Defy VenturesResources:Quan's Website"Sparrow and the Razor Wire: Finding Freedom from Within While Serving a Life Sentence"Defy Ventures Connect With Nick Nanton:WebsiteFacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube

Arlan Hamilton is a venture capitalist, author, managing partner of Backstage Capital and the first Black woman to appear on the cover of Fast Company — that isn’t an athlete or entertainer. Backstage Capital has raised more than $30 million and invested in more than 130 companies led by underestimated founders. Host Nick Nanton and Arlan discuss the types of educational companies she loves currently being created, how sitting front row at a Janet Jackson concert inspired her ideals and future career path, and what drove Arlan to start a fund to invest in the companies that were being overlooked. Nick and Arlan also talk about building Backstage Capital for three years before receiving any funding, her book, “It’s About Damn Time” which shares the principles of entrepreneurship, and the benefits of backing syndicate members via Backstage Crowd. Timestamps:3:06: Growing up in Texas5:28: Why Arlan wore six watches as a kid8:55: “Cool” happenings in disruptive education 12:24: What got Arlan into the music business15:30: Where should people turn for positive influence if they aren’t getting it at home?19:28: How Arlan got into investing25:52: The background of flying to San Francisco on a one-way ticket31:27: What Arlan looks for when she’s investing in a business37:00: Diversifying is key39:00: “Sometimes you have to write the invitations to the parties you don’t get invited to.”42:36: Including self-care in the hustle and grind46:24: Getting Black women on the cover of magazines to become the normResources:“It’s About Damn Time”“Your First Million"“Bootstrapped VC”Backstage CrowdConnect With Nick Nanton:WebsiteFacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube

Recorded during the California wildfires, CEO of Results Fitness, Alwyn Cosgrove, is one of the most respected fitness experts in the world — on top of being a business coach, author, and speaker. Host Nick Nanton and Alwyn discuss the reason why Alwyn first got into Tae Kwon Do, how his entrepreneurial mindset spurned the idea of becoming a gym owner, and the rule of threes — that if you complain about something three times, you’re the person that needs to fix it or stop complaining. Nick and Alwyn also discuss writing the methodology to scale and differentiate his business, how one decision in business can change everything — aka the ripple effect, and either hiring an expert to help you — or becoming said expert. Timestamps:1:38: Growing up in Scotland5:21: Putting in extra grit builds character in entrepreneurs 8:51: From working in a gym to deciding to own a gym13:12: Opening the gym with his wife and business partner15:57: What made Results Fitness different21:43: Alwyn’s fight with Stage IV cancer26:35: Alwyn’s gym in California has been shut down for six months due to COVID-1932:46 Utilizing culture metrics to hold his team accountable — and methodologies on cultureResources:Results FitnessAlwyn on TwitterAlwyn on InstagramConnect With Nick Nanton:WebsiteFacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube

What you see is what you get with Steve Sims. London-native Steve Sims is a massively successful serial entrepreneur and author that tells it likes it is but is still compassionate in his approach. Host Nick Nanton and Steve discuss the true and positive meaning of being a "hustler," imagining what you could achieve if you weren't afraid of trying, and how entrepreneurs are able to tweak a bad situation into a diamond situation. Nick and Steve also talk about learning the art of negotiating from Steve's days working in clubs, the reasons you should always ask “why" three times within a conversation, and how to become so valuable that famous people want to engage with you. Timestamps:3:05: The experience of starting a career as a brick-layer — and as a “hustler."7:44: Leaving school at 15-years-old — and what it led to.12:43: The purse story from Steve’s book, “Blue Fishing.” 18:19: Getting into the finance led Steve overseas where he became a club bouncer. 25:51: There’s a password for every party, you just have to listen for it.32:04: When talking to someone, ask “why,” three times.38:27: How to gain and cultivate relationships with super-talented people.43:53: The value is far greater in experiences and feelings than it is in dollars.50:23: Going above and beyond to get noticed.52:41: The Chug TestResources:Steve's WebsiteSteve on TwitterSteve on Facebook"Blue Fishing”Connect With Nick Nanton:WebsiteFacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube

Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow is the founder and CEO of Mary’s Meals — a global hunger charity that provides a daily meal in a place of education for more than 1.6 million of the world’s poorest children per day. Host Nick Nanton and Magnus discuss his second book — "Give: Charity and the Art of Living Generously,” how any genuine act of charity will always involve a risk, and learning from the people he was trying to help. Magnus also talks about founding Scottish International Relief, empowering communities to volunteer their own time to cook and grow food, and how his original business model has been replicated across 19 countries. Timestamps:2:39: Magnus began his career as a salmon farmer3:26: What Magnus saw on TV that altered his course5:40: Magnus’ first trip as a child to Bosnia8:00: Words of encouragement for those taking a challenge 12:00: What happened when Magnus came back from Bosnia21:03: Overcoming the risk of celebrity to focus on the mission25:31: The reason for feeding children at places of education 28:42: How are 1.6 million children fed per day?32:10: What does Magnus say to those that mistrust charities?35:32: Magnus’ latest documentary featuring Gerard Butler38:51: An impactful passage from Magnus’ book40:24: Learn more about Magnus Resources:2010 CNN Hero2015 Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World“The Shed That Fed a Million Children” "Love Reaches Everywhere"Connect With Nick Nanton:WebsiteFacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube

Todd Herman is New York Times Best-Selling author, entrepreneur, business coach, and mentor who has spent more than 20 years as a performance adviser to athletes and business executives at the highest level. Host Nick Nanton and Todd discuss his recovery from COVID-19, the principles behind Todd’s latest book — “The Alter Ego Effect,” and the importance of having a mentor. Nick and Todd also talk about the four layers of the core self, creating a secondary ego to reach new levels of performance as well as protecting yourself from criticism, and the language of peak-performance. Timestamps:2:27: Overcoming COVID-196:65: Why Todd wrote “The Alter Ego Effect”11:47: The truest sense of your alter ego15:52: Examples of using the alter ego in real life — and with athletes 23:38: Todd played football and was a nationally ranked badminton player27:07: Who is the biggest hero in a particular setting? 31:46: Turning off the alter ego 35:46: James Altucher38:18: Four layers of the core self43:25: Hidden forces of the enemyResources:Todd on Twitter90 Day YearHerman Performance SystemsHarvey Dorfman: “Coaching the Mental Game"Connect With Nick Nanton:WebsiteFacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube

Joe de Sena is CEO and founder of Spartan Race, a New York Times best-seller, and a popular keynote speaker and podcast host. Host Nick Nanton and Joe discuss three business/life lessons that Joe got from the most unlikely of sources, the entrepreneurial mindset of serving first, and the evolution of Spartan Race. Nick and Joe also talk about the people that inspire Joe to get after it every day, work-life integration, the challenge of teaching persistence to children, and focusing on the things in life that you can control.Timestamps:3:51: How growing up in Queens shaped the early parts of Joe’s life7:13: Proving value before expecting anything in return9:33: Joe’s farm in Vermont — and how it came to be15:40: Knowing when enough is enough — and when to stop being soft19:19: Joe’s love for insane races — including “Death Race"23:01: Embracing "the suck”27:25: Why it’s difficult to build persistence in children31:33: Spartan Race and the Spartan Mentality33:01: Are Spartan Races more mental than physical?34:22: “Spartan Up” - everyone matters 36:56: Joe’s changed business model due to COVID-19 39:48: “Spartan Way” — metabolic health 42:56: Joe’s system for time management 44:59: How to exercise your motivational muscle46:54: Worrying too much is a time-waster49:38: Burpees are the most efficient workout in the worldResources:"Spartan Up""Spartant Fit""The Spartan Way"Dan Sullivan: "Batteries Included"Joe PolishConnect With Nick Nanton:WebsiteFacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube

Steve Anderson is an IT risk consultant, speaker, and Wall Street Journal Best-Selling author of The Bezos Letters. Host Nick Nanton and Steve talk about the 14 principles grouped into four cycles that Bezos references in his shareholder letters, Amazon’s culture of experimenting and inventing, and creating meaningful differentiation through Amazon Go and Kindle. Nick and Steve also discuss understanding your flywheel — Amazon’s secret sauce for to making their business grow, and the incremental differences between type one and type two decisions.Timestamps:1:13: Who is Steve Anderson — in his own words4:25: Return on risk6:36: Encourage successful failures13:41: Meaningful differentiation20:13: Culture of innovation21:55: Creating customer obsession25:52: Share-owners not shareholders28:39: Understand your flywheel31:33: Generating high-velocity decisions35:02: Only hire people you admire40:08: Always show up and believe it’s day oneResources:"The Bezos Letters"Peter Diamandis “The Future Is Faster Than You Think”Jim Collins “Good to Great”Dan Sullivan “Who Not How"Connect With Nick Nanton:WebsiteFacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube

Chris Voss is the CEO and founder of The Black Swan Group Ltd, a best-selling author, and the FBI’s former lead international kidnapping negotiator. Host Nick Nanton discusses Chris’ national best-selling book, Never Split the Difference, the attributes that make a master negotiator, and empathy’s effect in business negotiations. Timestamps:2:40: Should you split the difference?3:53: Why compromise often doesn’t work out6:36: Oprah Winfrey — the negotiator9:19: Tactical empathy and strategies used12:02: In a kidnapping, who has the upper hand?1408: Social dynamics that affect decision making18:15: Chris’ work in Haiti20:31: "The favorite or the fool" concept26:42: Labeling — but not in an accusatory way30:33: Taking a job for mercenary reasons33:39: The two magic words of “that’s right” in a negotiation35:54: Perspective will get you to the answer you’re looking for37:49: The benefits of asking “no" oriented questions41:00: When the door opens, the game is onResources:Negotiate Like a Pro: MasterclassChris on The Forward Podcast with Lance ArmstrongDaniel Kahneman — Nobel Peace PrizeOperation ToussaintThe Challenger SaleDr. Ned Hallowell Connect With Nick Nanton:WebsiteFacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube

Co-elevation is used to lead, connect, and elevate ourselves and others — both powerfully and effectivelyHost Nick Nanton talks with Keith Ferrazzi about the term he coined, “co-elevation,” why networking begins with providing enough value to people, and serve, share, care — the inspiration behind his new book, Leading Without Authority.Timestamps:3:20: Growing up Keith Ferrazzi5:20: What Keith learned while caddying9:02: Philosophy on the foster care system13:45: Lessons learned from the transition from Deloitte to Starwood18:17: Networking — and why we live in one22:34: The key points of co-elevation28:01: Who’s your team in co-elevation 30:16: The concept that it’s not all on you31:49: Earning permission to lead33:45: Share your story so that others can connect with you34:43: How to stop commanding and start inviting36:19: Keith’s main takeawaysResources:Who's Got Your BackNever Eat AlonePeter DiamandisGo Forward to WorkVirtualTeamsWin.comConnect With Nick Nanton:WebsiteFacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube

Leadership is the example you set for the people you serveHost Nick Nanton talks with friend and former Army Ranger, Keni Thomas about a plethora of topics including The Battle of Mogadishu, which was the inspiration for the motion picture Black Hawk Down. Nick and Keni also discuss servant-leaders and how they can whiteboard a better America, building trust through Keni’s Downrange Advanced Leadership Course, and the importance of doing the right thing even when it’s hard.Timestamps:1:50: The Battle of Mogadishu7:20: Positive takeaways from quarantine 10:32: Diagnosis of PTSD 13:17: How Keni and Nick met17:16: Downrange — and its purpose24:06: Resiliency of the human spirit28:15: What’s working in the world and what could be better35:59: The best definition of leadership38:31: Strategies used even in times of questioningReferences:Get It On!Jim WetherbeeOperation ToussaintTim Ballard of O.U.R.Connect With Nick Nanton:WebsiteFacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube