How far would you go to reclaim your life?In this transformative, heart-on-sleeve interview, Jerry Dugan peels back the curtain on his bold escape from corporate leadership into the uncertain but exhilarating world of creative entrepreneurship. With raw honesty, Jerry shares the moment he realized success was a golden cage, how his family catalyzed his leap, and why reinventing yourself demands both courage and vulnerability. If you’ve ever questioned the path you’re on, this episode is for you.

What You'll Learn:

 * The emotional toll of “golden handcuffs”—and the price of freedom

 * How a single conversation at home can change your entire life trajectory

 * Three mentors’ uncanny advice that pointed Jerry to his true calling

 * The struggle to build a business from scratch (and why the right “why” matters)

 * Powerful lessons on identity, letting go, and crafting a life on your terms

Timestamps:

 * [0:00] Full Circle Moments: Jerry Returns—The Backstory Behind the Leap

 * [2:00] “Put Yourself In a Prison”—The Real Cost of Corporate Success

 * [7:45] Three Conversations That Changed Everything—Listening Between the Lines

 * [10:00] Building ‘Beyond the Rut’: From Podcasting to Publishing

 * [12:00] Burnout, Blessings, and Saying No to the Wrong “Yes”

 * [15:30] The Uber Chapter: Reinventing, Recharging, and Rethinking What’s Next

 * [20:00] Lessons from Dune & Beyond—Leadership, Identity, and Curiosity Unleashed

Guest Links:

 * Website: https://beyondtherut.com [https://beyondtherut.com/]/

 * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrydugan/

 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerrydugan/

 * Book: “Beyond the Rut” – https://amzn.to/yourbooklink

From Corporate Chains to Creative Freedom—The Emotional Leap That Changed Everything (Jerry Dugan)

What if you could finally measure what really drives revenue—without cookies, guesswork, or silos?In this episode, Jeff Greenfield, the authority behind Provalytics, takes us on a riveting journey through the future of marketing measurement.



Get ready for a conversation that shatters the myths of digital attribution, revealing how data and AI can uncover the true impact of every marketing dollar—even in a world without third-party cookies. Jeff opens up about the emotional weight of uprooting the status quo and shares how “being less wrong” might be the most valuable marketing mindset of all.

What You'll Learn:

 * The seismic shift from click-driven to impression-driven attribution

 * Why legacy analytics are failing marketers (and how AI closes the gap)

 * The real story behind multi-channel campaigns and the customer journey

 * How to finally connect brand awareness to hard business results

 * The one marketing metric that keeps CEOs and marketers up at night

Timestamps:

 * [00:01] Welcome back, and why marketers are in crisis without cookies

 * [03:30] AI-driven attribution: going backwards to find real answers

 * [07:08] The full customer journey: from website to Amazon to everywhere

 * [10:20] Breaking organizational silos—unifying finance, marketing, and agencies

 * [14:13] Proving the value of brand-building: connecting impressions to revenue

 * [16:52] The metric that changes everything: Time to Conversion

 * [20:07] Jeff’s vision for the next 2–3 years in marketing measurement

Guest Links:

 * Website: provalytics.com [https://provalytics.com/]

 * Additional resource: Provalytics Attribution Certification Course [https://provalytics.com/resources]

Jeff Greenfield on Reinventing Marketing Attribution: How AI and Data Are Changing the Game

Imagine discovering that the data guiding your marketing dollars is a lie.

On today’s episode, Junaid Ahmed unpacks a seismic shift in marketing attribution with Jeff Greenfield—CEO and founder of Provalytics, pioneer behind C3 Metrics, and a leader whose ideas are rewriting the rules in a world with no more cookies.

Jeff shares hard-won truths from his three-decade journey, exposing why most marketers are blind to what’s truly driving results—and how a privacy-first, AI-driven future is not just possible, but necessary. This is a must-listen for marketers, founders, and anyone chasing real ROI in a post-cookie world.

What You'll Learn:

 * Marketing’s biggest myth: Why the numbers you trust are often wrong.

 * The collapse of cookie-based tracking—and the rise of privacy-first measurement.

 * Inside the walled gardens: How Amazon, Facebook, and Google obscure real impact.

 * Impressions vs. clicks: The mindset shift every marketer must embrace.

 * Why AI and machine learning are the keys to attribution’s future.

Timestamps:

 * [00:01] The paradigm shift: Attribution in a privacy-first world

 * [02:15] Covid, habit change, and the measurement “black hole”

 * [03:02] The commission crisis: How Jeff discovered the problem

 * [08:09] What broke traditional attribution & why impressions matter

 * [13:02] A world without cookies: What marketers get wrong about ROI

 * [17:42] Big lessons & mind flips from data-driven marketing

 * [20:00] What’s next for marketers: The AI-driven future

Guest Links (please verify before publishing):

 * Website: https://provalytics.com [https://provalytics.com/]

 * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgreenfield/

 * Twitter: https://twitter.com/provalytics

 * C3 Metrics (Legacy): https://c3metrics.com [https://c3metrics.com/]

How Jeff Greenfield Is Rebooting Marketing Attribution: From C3 Metrics to AI, The Truth Behind What Really Works

What does it really take to go from nothing to a thriving company—without a safety net?

Brian Clayton, CEO and cofounder of GreenPal, returns for a raw, curiosity-fueled conversation on the lonely reality of building, scaling, and letting go. Discover why delegation can kill a startup—or make it unstoppable, how bootstrapping turns founders into wild animals on the hunt, and which hidden traps you must dodge as you raise (or reject) funding.

Brian’s story is packed with lessons that will resonate with every founder, leader, and dreamer. This episode dives into why founders must wear every hat—until the moment they must let go. You’ll learn what separates a founder from a true CEO, how “having less” forges true innovation, and why sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen when you’re forced to get scrappy.

What You'll Learn:

 * Delegation is a double-edged sword—do it too soon or too late, and you’ll pay.

 * Founders thrive when their backs are against the wall—even bootstrapping, out of necessity.

 * Building an org chart early creates a roadmap for scalable growth.

 * There is a big difference between being a founder and being a CEO—know the transition point.

 * Real innovation is often born from limitation—not luxury or funding.

Timestamps & Labels

 * 0:00:00 [https://otter.ai/u/ZJEptA3CWkBIDVenmeSxpDm_D2s?tab=chat&view=transcript&t=0s] A No-Holds-Barred Welcome Back—Brian Clayton’s origin story, unfiltered.

 * 0:01:00 [https://otter.ai/u/ZJEptA3CWkBIDVenmeSxpDm_D2s?tab=chat&view=transcript&t=60s] The Delegation Trap—Why outsourcing can nearly kill your company.

 * 0:03:30 [https://otter.ai/u/ZJEptA3CWkBIDVenmeSxpDm_D2s?tab=chat&view=transcript&t=210s] Surviving the Trenches—From doing everything to building a real team.

 * 0:05:36 [https://otter.ai/u/ZJEptA3CWkBIDVenmeSxpDm_D2s?tab=chat&view=transcript&t=336s] Founder vs. CEO—The mindset shift every entrepreneur faces.

 * 0:09:22 [https://otter.ai/u/ZJEptA3CWkBIDVenmeSxpDm_D2s?tab=chat&view=transcript&t=562s] Bootstrapping vs. Funding—Why having less makes you more dangerous.

 * 0:12:37 [https://otter.ai/u/ZJEptA3CWkBIDVenmeSxpDm_D2s?tab=chat&view=transcript&t=757s] Innovation from Constraint—How limitations fuel creativity and drive.

 * 0:15:10 [https://otter.ai/u/ZJEptA3CWkBIDVenmeSxpDm_D2s?tab=chat&view=transcript&t=910s] If I Had to Start Over—The pain points ripe for disruptors in 2025.

Guest Links

 * Website: [GreenPal](https://www.yourgreenpal.com [https://www.yourgreenpal.com/]/)

 * LinkedIn: [Brian Clayton on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-clayton-a96b33214/)

 * Instagram: [@brianmclayton](https://www.instagram.com/brianmclayton/)

 * Book Mentioned: "The E Myth" by Michael Gerber [https://www.amazon.com/E-Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280]

From Bootstrapped Hustle to Million-Dollar Mindsets — The Brutal Truth About Scaling Without Funding - Brian Clayton (GreenPal CEO)

What if the secret to building a multi-million dollar business is hidden in door-to-door flyers, no shortcuts, and your personal cell number?

In this emotional and curiosity-driven conversation, Brian Clayton—CEO and co-founder of GreenPal—reveals the raw journey of turning an old-school lawn mowing hustle into a $30 million empire. Forget Silicon Valley fairytales. This is a masterclass in resilience, relentless customer obsession, and why most entrepreneurs focus on the wrong things.

Discover why Brian believes hand-to-hand selling and direct feedback are the lifeblood of any real startup—and learn the lessons he wishes he’d known before fighting for every customer. This episode will make you rethink growth, funding, and the true price of entrepreneurial success.

What You'll Learn:

 * Bootstrapping isn’t just possible; it’s a superpower—if you focus on true customer needs.

 * The best funding comes from happy customers, not investors.

 * Scaling a company? Tackle it like a video game: one level at a time, and don’t worry about level ten until you master level six.

 * Reliable service and speed matter more to users than being the cheapest option.

 * Entrepreneurship is the ultimate personal development engine—more powerful than any book or classroom.

Timestamps:00:02 – Brian’s Origin Story: The Hustle Behind GreenPal02:00 – The Painful Truth About Early Growth (and Why No One Came)05:00 – Real Lessons from Hand-to-Hand Customer Combat09:00 – Why Brian Chose Bootstrapping Over VC Cash12:00 – The Moment He Knew It Would Scale15:00 – Direct Feedback, Star Ratings & Building for Users, Not Investors20:00 – Brian’s Resilience Hack: The “Never Give Up” RuleGuest Links:

 * Website: https://www.yourgreenpal.com [https://www.yourgreenpal.com/]/

 * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmclayton

 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianmclayton

How Brian Clayton Bootstrapped GreenPal to $30 Million: The Untold Truths About Grit, Hustle, and the Uber of Lawn Care

What if the real secret to leading isn’t about titles, but invisible work behind the scenes?In this raw and revealing conversation, award-winning mentor and Navy veteran Enrique Acosta Gonzalez exposes how the world’s most authentic leaders are built in silence, not on stage. With emotional honesty and practical wisdom, Enrique shares how to overcome fear, prepare for your defining moment, and transform every setback into strength.

What You'll Learn:

 * Leadership starts in the unseen: act today, lead tomorrow.

 * The Triad Principle: balance material and spiritual leadership.

 * Overcoming fear is crucial—small steps toward courage matter.

 * Guide from your own “why,” not just external expectations.

 * True legacy is made with selfless action and impact.

Timestamps 00:00 – A Navy Journey Transformed: Enrique’s origin story 02:00 – Triad Leadership: Spiritual and Tactical Secrets 04:00 – The Power of Leading Yourself—Before You Lead Others 08:15 – Why “Why” Changes Everything: Digging into personal motives 10:40 – Confronting Fear: How to know if you’re ready to lead 14:05 – The Possibility Practice: Imagining your future self 16:20 – Growing in the Shadows: Building a legacy that matters

Guest Links

 * LinkedIn: [Connect with Enrique Acosta Gonzalez](https://www.linkedin.com [https://www.linkedin.com/]/)

 * Website: [Enrique’s Contact & Resources](https://www.enriqueacostagonzalez.com [https://www.enriqueacostagonzalez.com/]/) (edit with real link)

 * Instagram: [@enriqueacostagonzalez](https://instagram.com [https://instagram.com/]/) (edit with real link)

 * Book a Call: Via LinkedIn profile

Each episode stands alone as a true Diary of a CEO moment, challenging you to go deeper, think harder, and step up—quietly—until the world can’t help but notice.

From Navy to Master Mentor—The Secret Triad of True Leadership Revealed (Enrique Acosta Gonzalez)

What does it take to go from the shadows of the unknown to the spotlight of global recognition?In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Enrique Augusta Gonzalez—CEO of Triad Leadership Solutions, retired Navy veteran, and six-time bestselling author—to uncover the raw truth behind leadership, legacy, and the courage to chase your dreams.

Enrique’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. From 26 years of service in the US Navy to building a thriving business and award-winning podcast, he reveals the mindset shifts, daily habits, and emotional battles that shape true leaders. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn setbacks into stepping stones and create impact that outlives you, this conversation is your blueprint.

What You'll Learn:

 * The hidden cost of “playing it safe” with your dreams—and how to break free.

 * Why legacy is built in the quiet moments, not just the spotlight.

 * How Navy core values shaped Enrique’s leadership philosophy for life.

 * The emotional rollercoaster of transitioning from military to entrepreneurship.

 * Practical tools for developing the leader within—starting today.



Timestamps:

00:00 – From Unknown to Award-Winning: Enrique’s journey begins02:10 – 26 Years in the Navy: Core values that never fade05:30 – The Lost Feeling: Navigating life after service08:15 – Salary vs. Dreams: The moment Enrique chose legacy over comfort12:00 – Building Triad Leadership Solutions: The birth of a mission15:20 – Podcasting & Possibility: Why sharing your story matters18:45 – Legacy, Longing, and Leadership: Lessons from “Somewhere in Time”

Guest Links:

 * Website: https://triadleadershipsolutions.com [https://triadleadershipsolutions.com/]

 * LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/enriqueaugustagonzalez

 * Instagram: https://instagram.com/enriqueaugustagonzalez

 * Book: https://www.amazon.com/author/enriqueaugustagonzalez

If you’re ready to step into your own influence and build a legacy that lasts, don’t miss this episode.

From Navy Veteran to Award-Winning Leadership Guru—How to Build a Legacy That Lasts (Enrique Augusta Gonzalez)

What if losing your dream job was the best thing that ever happened to you?

In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Kirk Gimenez, a two-time Emmy winner and the first Latino to anchor in English at ESPN, to uncover the untold story behind his rise, fall, and ultimate reinvention as the founder of sizzle TV. Kirk reveals how losing his authentic voice in mainstream media led him to create a platform that celebrates multicultural stories, positivity, and unapologetic representation.

Dive deep into Kirk’s journey of resilience, the power of staying true to your roots, and the mission to flood the world with uplifting stories. This conversation is a masterclass in turning adversity into opportunity, building a brand with purpose, and why the future of media belongs to those who dare to be different.

What You'll Learn:

 * How Kirk became the first Latino to anchor in English at ESPN—and why it mattered.

 * The pain of losing his authentic voice and the 20-year journey to reclaim it.

 * Why sizzle TV is more than a platform: it’s a movement for multicultural, positive storytelling.

 * The business case for authenticity and why brands must embrace multiculturalism.

 * Kirk’s new mission: using AI mini-docs to amplify untold, uplifting stories at scale.

Timestamps:

 * 00:00 – The Power of Follow-Up: How Junaid and Kirk first connected

 * 03:15 – Breaking Barriers at ESPN: Becoming the first Latino anchor in English

 * 08:40 – Losing and Reclaiming Authenticity: The birth of sizzle TV

 * 15:20 – Multiculturalism as a Superpower: Why 200%ers are the future

 * 22:10 – The Broken State of Media—and Kirk’s plan to fix it with positivity

 * 28:45 – AI Mini-Docs: Revolutionizing storytelling for nonprofits and brands

 * 34:00 – Advice to His Younger Self: “Never let them take your Latino voice”

Guest Links:

 * Website: https://www.sizzletv.com [https://www.sizzletv.com/]/

 * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkgimenez/

 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirkgimenez/

 * Twitter: https://twitter.com/kirkgimenez

From ESPN Trailblazer to Sizzle TV Visionary—How Authenticity and Adversity Sparked a Media Revolution(Kirk Gimenez)

What if you could rewire your brain to break free from trauma and step into a life of confidence, clarity, and calm?

In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Hilary Ruso—certified havening practitioner, podcast host, and trauma healing expert—to uncover the science and soul behind emotional resilience. Hilary reveals the hidden mechanisms of the brain, shares powerful real-life transformations, and guides you through practical havening techniques that anyone can use.

Prepare to challenge everything you thought you knew about trauma. This conversation is a masterclass in self-healing, packed with actionable insights, emotional breakthroughs, and the tools to start your own journey toward lasting change.

What You'll Learn:

 * The four elements of trauma encoding and why your brain can’t tell past from present

 * How havening rapidly rewires neural pathways for healing and resilience

 * Real-world stories of overcoming fear and reclaiming safety—even on the world’s biggest stages

 * The “AAA Effect”: Awareness, Allowance, and Alignment as the foundation for transformation

 * Simple daily havening practices to calm your mind and build emotional strength

Timestamps:

 * 0:01:05 [https://otter.ai/u/fGEZa8Bd3Y8SHLZhCTIEDmG-0t4?tab=chat&view=transcript&t=65s] Trauma Decoded: The Four Elements That Shape Your Brain

 * 0:06:33 [https://otter.ai/u/fGEZa8Bd3Y8SHLZhCTIEDmG-0t4?tab=chat&view=transcript&t=393s] Why Your Brain Is Wired for Negativity—and How to Change It

 * 0:08:38 [https://otter.ai/u/fGEZa8Bd3Y8SHLZhCTIEDmG-0t4?tab=chat&view=transcript&t=518s] From Opera Stage to Safe Space: A Grammy Winner’s Breakthrough

 * 0:11:52 [https://otter.ai/u/fGEZa8Bd3Y8SHLZhCTIEDmG-0t4?tab=chat&view=transcript&t=712s] Havening 101: The Science and Practice of Self-Healing

 * 0:14:19 [https://otter.ai/u/fGEZa8Bd3Y8SHLZhCTIEDmG-0t4?tab=chat&view=transcript&t=859s] Positive Mindset vs. Pleasant Distraction—What Really Works?

 * 0:16:38 [https://otter.ai/u/fGEZa8Bd3Y8SHLZhCTIEDmG-0t4?tab=chat&view=transcript&t=998s] The AAA Effect: The First Step to Lasting Resilience

 * 0:20:41 [https://otter.ai/u/fGEZa8Bd3Y8SHLZhCTIEDmG-0t4?tab=chat&view=transcript&t=1241s] Who Needs Havening Most? Hilary’s Surprising Fictional Pick

Guest Links:

 * Website: https://hilaryrusso.com [https://hilaryrusso.com/]

 * Podcast: Holistically Speaking (https://hilaryrusso.com/podcast)

 * Events & Trainings: https://hilaryrusso.com/events

 * Instagram: https://instagram.com/hilaryrusso

 * LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hilaryrusso

 * Book (upcoming): “Hug It Out” (details on website)

This episode is your invitation to be kind to your mind, discover the power of havening, and start hacking your way to healing.

The Neuroscience of Healing Trauma—How Havening Rewires Your Brain for Resilience (Hilary Ruso)

What if you could rewire your brain for resilience and joy?

In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Hilary Rousseau—one of only 50 certified havening trainers in the world, trauma-informed holistic practitioner, and host of the globally top-rated “Holistically Speaking” podcast. Hilary reveals the neuroscience behind self-healing, the transformative power of gratitude, and how her “Hug It Out” method can help you reclaim your mind’s safe space.

Discover how humor, understanding, and gratitude can become your daily tools for emotional well-being. Hilary’s journey is both deeply personal and universally inspiring—this conversation will change the way you think about healing, self-care, and the stories we tell ourselves.

What You'll Learn:

 * The “Hug It Out” Method: How humor, understanding, and gratitude can transform your emotional landscape.

 * Havening Techniques: The science-backed self-soothing practice that rewires your brain for safety and calm.

 * Gratitude’s Power: Why two minutes of gratitude each morning can change your entire day.

 * Music & Healing: How rhythm and song activate your vagus nerve and regulate emotions.

 * Resilience in Adversity: Lessons from trauma, storytelling, and finding joy—even in the hardest moments.

Timestamps:

 * 00:00 — Hilary Rousseau: The Journey to Healing and Resilience

 * 02:10 — What Is Havening? The Science of Creating a Safe Mind

 * 07:45 — The Hug It Out Method: Humor, Understanding, Gratitude

 * 13:20 — Self-Healing vs. Self-Care: Starting with Gratitude

 * 17:05 — Music, Rhythm, and Emotional Regulation

 * 22:30 — Lessons from War Movies: Finding Strength in Adversity

 * 28:15 — The Power of Storytelling: Big Fish, Grief, and Legacy

The Science of Self-Healing, Resilience, and the Hug It Out Method—Unlocking Emotional Power (Hilary Rousseau) 

Junaid Ahmed digs in deep as he converses with hobbyists, entrepreneurs, cyclists, artists, actors, and leaders from around the world. These hackers of life have one thing in common. They’re passionate about their craft and built businesses and movements around what they love to do every single day. We get to learn about their journeys, origins and how they got to where they are today. The lessons shared by our guests are immediately actionable and if applied accurately they give you immediate results and success in your day-t operations. Follow the stories: http://hacksandhobbies.com

Junaid Ahmed

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