"When they see your face, look into your eyes, you're real and you're human and you're authentic, that's when trust happens."

Strong relationships form the backbone of every successful business. Growth becomes easier when you intentionally invest in the connections that matter, release the ones that drain your energy, and stay open to forming new relationships that bring purpose and momentum. Trust, consistency, and genuine human connection—not tactics—create the stability and opportunity that leaders rely on.

Alan McLaren, a veteran executive and relationship strategist, shares powerful insights on why intentional connection shapes long-term success. He explains how clarity, visibility, and authenticity help leaders expand their influence, strengthen their network, and build trust quickly and naturally. His approach to service-driven leadership reveals how meaningful conversations can spark new partnerships, deepen existing ones, and create opportunities that last. Everything culminates in the upcoming December 3 event, where Alan will help leaders use strategic connection to accelerate trust, authority, and growth.

Learn more & connect:

Register for the free Podcast Guesting for Leaders event here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/podcast-guesting-for-leaders-the-fast-track-to-trust-authority-growth-tickets-1969995450423

Alan McLaren is co-founder of STRATA Originals [https://strataoriginals.com/], working with CEOs and executives to build and refine authentic and impactful leadership brands.

https://strataoriginals.com/

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com [https://www.ecircleacademy.com/] and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.

EP731: Alan McLaren - Why Relationships Matter

"Everything in this entire world… rises and falls on male leadership."

Strong male leadership shapes families, communities, and culture. When men show up with conviction, clarity, and responsibility, everyone around them rises. But when men avoid truth, hide from challenge, or drift without identity, the whole system breaks down. This conversation dives into the principles that help men reclaim strength: accountability, brotherhood, self-awareness, and the courage to confront what needs confronting.

David Ask shares how growing up around loyal, hardworking men gave him a foundation—but comparison and uncertainty still dragged him down for years. He explains how discovering his God-given identity changed everything, and why calling men up, not just out, can transform their confidence. His work centers on helping men see the greatness inside them and step into authentic authority.

David is a facilitator with Iron Sharpens Iron and a mentor to men seeking clarity, purpose, and spiritual grounding. His approach blends encouragement, emotional intelligence, and challenge to help men become who they were built to be.

Learn more & connect:

https://davidaskmusic.com/

https://www.youtube.com/user/davidboydask/videos

IG: @thedavidask

FB: https://www.facebook.com/DavidAskMusic/

Also in this episode:

Building the Bridge As You Walk On It: A Guide for Leading Change by Robert E. Quinn

https://a.co/d/iR6ABcg

You're invited to come to a Sovereign Circle meeting to experience it for yourself. To learn more, go to https://www.sovereignman.ca/. While you're there, check out the Battle Ready program and check out the store for Sovereign Man t-shirts, hats, and books.

EP223: David Ask - Encouraging Men To Win

"82% of all Americans are now saying they expect the brands they buy from to share their values."

Staying true to your values isn't just the right thing to do, it's one of the smartest ways to grow a business. Today's episode breaks down why conviction creates clarity, why clarity creates trust, and why trust is the new currency in a marketplace flooded with noise, doubt, and deception.

Kurt Luidhardt shares how his work with political campaigns led him to uncover something much bigger: millions of consumers actively looking to spend their money with brands that reflect their beliefs. Kurt explains why this shift matters for entrepreneurs, how conviction-driven marketing works, and why businesses that communicate their principles authentically attract more loyal, resilient customers. He also unpacks the modern crisis of trust and shows how shared values help people make faster, more confident buying decisions.

Kurt is the co-founder of a nationally recognized digital strategy firm and the creator of the Liberty Spenders framework. With decades of experience helping high-profile leaders and brands grow through principled messaging, Kurt now empowers business owners to align their marketing with their deepest convictions—and win because of it.

Expert action steps:

 * Remove the idols that distort your judgment—anything you place above God or your highest principles.

 * Build a business around solving a real, concrete problem that people urgently want fixed.

 * Protect your family and never let business consume the relationships that matter most.

Learn more & connect:

Download a free copy of Kurt's book, Liberty Spenders at

EP730: Kurt Luidhardt - How To Grow A Business By Staying True To Your Values

"You can create your content and put it out there on social media yourself. You can create your own content by having a podcast."

You no longer need traditional media to spread your message. In today's world, your ideas, your consistency, and your voice are enough to create real influence. When you share content regularly, you build authority that reaches the people who need you.

"You are your own media" means taking control of your platform. Podcasting—and especially guesting—lets your message travel fast. Podcast listeners are engaged, curious, and ready to act, making each appearance a powerful growth tool.

The moment is wide open. No gatekeepers. No barriers. Your message is the channel. You are the media—use it boldly.

Email Nicky at nicky@ecircle.ca to learn more about the podcast guesting workshop happening on December 5th.

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com [https://www.ecircleacademy.com/] and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.

EP729: TL Nuggets #218 - You Are Your Own Media

"What happens is when we trip and fall, we start acting like who we used to be rather than who we are. It's so important for us to recognize who God says we are and to proclaim that."

Every man faces giants—habits, fears, and doubts that keep him from living with conviction. The Goliath Code lays out a battle plan rooted in spiritual warfare: knowing who you are, where you stand, and what armor you carry. The fight isn't against people; it's against the unseen forces trying to pull you back into bondage and away from your mission.

Blake Watkins reveals how David's confrontation with Goliath holds a timeless roadmap for men today. Through his "G.O.L.I.A.T.H." acrostic—Geography, Opponent, Labels, Intrepid, Aim, Truth, Hardware—he breaks down the mindset and spiritual posture required to face modern giants like addiction, fear, and passivity. His message reminds men that courage begins in identity, and victory begins in Christ.

Blake is a professional engineer turned minister, author, and teacher. After decades in both corporate life and ministry, he now helps men reclaim their purpose through faith, discipline, and unwavering spiritual strength.

Learn more & connect:

 * Book: The Goliath Code: A Biblical Battle Plan For Defeating Any Giant [https://a.co/d/29xaFmy] https://a.co/d/29xaFmy

 * Website: www.GoliathCode.com [https://blakewatkins.website.lindo.agency/]

 * Video Course: Available at LeadershipBooks.com [https://leadershipbooks.com/pages/blake-watkins-speakers-bureau?_pos=1&_psq=blake+watkins&_ss=e&_v=1.0] (search for blake watkins)

You're invited to come to a Sovereign Circle meeting to experience it for yourself. To learn more, go to https://www.sovereignman.ca/. While you're there, check out the Battle Ready program and check out the store f

EP222: Blake Watkins - The Goliath Code

"You can never outperform your self-image."

Reclaiming health begins with ownership. True healing happens when you stop outsourcing your well-being and start living by principles that restore your body's natural intelligence. That means breaking free from the dependency mindset built by Big Pharma, choosing single-ingredient foods over processed ones, fasting to reset your metabolism, and sleeping deeply to rebuild from within. Health is not just the absence of disease—it's the active pursuit of energy, purpose, and clarity.

Ben Azadi shares how he went from obese and depressed to a peak state of physical and mental fitness. Drawing from his book Metabolic Freedom, Ben reveals how changing your self-image rewires your biology, fasting activates your body's repair systems, and gratitude—what he calls "Vitamin G"—becomes the ultimate anti-inflammatory. His philosophy blends science and purpose to show that you can heal yourself by living in alignment with nature's design.

Ben is a bestselling author, speaker, and educator on metabolic health. Through his mentorship with Dr. Daniel Pompa and nearly two decades of experience, Ben has guided tens of thousands toward vibrant energy and longevity. His mission is clear: to make you healthy again—physically, mentally, and purposefully.

Expert action steps:

 1. Take daily Vitamin G—gratitude rewires your brain and heals your body.

 1. Live on purpose with your purpose—direction fuels longevity.

 1. Cut out the noise—fill your mind with empowering information and people.

Learn more & connect:

Go to metabolicfreedombook.com [https://ketokamp.clickfunnels.com/metabolic-freedom] to

EP728: Ben Azadi - Make You Healthy Again

"Follow your passion. Master your mindset. Monetize doing what you love."

Living your passion begins with self-awareness and courage—the willingness to question whether the life you're living is truly yours or one built on others' expectations. Passion isn't something you stumble upon; it's something you uncover by aligning your work, purpose, and daily choices with what fuels your heart. True joy emerges when you stop living in "shoulds" and start listening to your inner compass—transforming fear and limitation into clarity and flow.

LuAnn Buechler reveals how saying "yes" to opportunity became the defining habit that changed her life. From a 15-year career in hospitality to working with Dr. Ivan Misner and the Transformational Leadership Council, LuAnn's story is proof that life rewards aligned action. Her philosophy, "Work in your flame, not in your wax," encourages people to create lives centered on purpose. Through tools like The Passion Test and mindfulness practices, she helps clients shift from survival to joy.

LuAnn is a certified Passion Test facilitator, business coach, and long-time member of Jack Canfield's Transformational Leadership Council. She is also president of The Coach Initiative, a nonprofit connecting volunteer coaches with organizations in need. Her mission: to help individuals and businesses uncover their core values, lead with purpose, and live passionately.

Expert action steps:

1. Follow your passion.

2. Master your mindset.

3. Monetize doing what you love.

Learn more & connect:

• Go to www.luannb.com [https://luannb.com/] for your free 30 minute consultation.

• Take your nonprofit organization to the next level: Coaching for Nonprofits, it's leaders and volunteers @ www.thecoachinitiative.org. [https://www.thecoachinitiative.org/]

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com [https://www.ecircleacademy.com/] and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.

EP727: LuAnn Buechler - How To Find & Live Your Passion

"When you've been through a bunch of stuff like your mom dying at seven years old, you become somewhat resilient to a lot of things. I mean, pain is just pain."

Resilience is born from struggle—not comfort. It's forged in the moments when life takes something from you and you have to rebuild, harder and wiser than before. From childhood loss to standing on his own at nine years old, Tony Cohen's life shows that hardship isn't the enemy; it's the teacher that builds backbone, grit, and purpose.

Tony Cohen shares how the pain of isolation and early loss shaped his strength, how learning to fight back against bullies led to confidence, and why controlled aggression—channelled through boxing or Krav Maga—can help men reclaim their edge. He speaks about failure, rebuilding, and how resilience isn't found in privilege but in persistence.

Tony is a master Krav Maga instructor, entrepreneur, and founder of FeelSafeDaily, a platform teaching real-world personal safety and empowerment. His story is one of self-reliance, purpose, and the kind of masculinity built through earned strength.

Learn more & connect:

• FeelSafeDaily – Reveal your confidence code @ https://feelsafedaily.info [https://feelsafedaily.info/]

Also in this episode:

• Russell Brunson [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2qUDKqTsz00csykCYgdLuA] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2qUDKqTsz00csykCYgdLuA

• Book by Alex Hormozi – $100M Offers: How To Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying No https://a.co/d/dxdKREn

You're invited to come to a Sovereign Circle meeting to experience it for yourself. To learn more, go to https://www.sovereignman.ca/. While you're there, check out the Battle Ready program and check out the store for Sovereign Man t-shirts, hats, and books.

EP221: Tony Cohen - Becoming Resilient

"If you optimize your hormones, you lose depression, you lose anxiety, you feel good again, you're energized, you're good to go."

A mission born from struggle. Former cop and veteran Michael Seemann faced burnout, depression, and a body that was shutting down—until he discovered the power of hormone optimization. That breakthrough became Evolving Vitality, a clinic dedicated to restoring men's health through hormone balance, mental wellness, and affordable access to life-changing care.

Michael shares how turning pain into purpose shaped his business mindset: build for service, not greed. Keep prices fair, lead with integrity, and let faith drive the mission. Success, he says, is simple—trust God, work hard, and do the right thing.

Now, with clinics in five states and plans to expand across North America, Michael's proving that purpose-driven entrepreneurship can save lives—and restore the spirit of those who serve.

Expert action steps:

1. Trust God – Have faith that He will lead you to the right purpose.

2. Believe in Yourself – Even if you doubt your ability, start.

3. Work Hard and Be Honest – Give your best effort with integrity; success will follow.

Learn more & connect:

• EvolvingVitality.com￼ [https://www.evolvingvitality.com/blog/posts/peptide-therapy-at-evolving-vitality-what-it-is-and-why-it-s-changing-the-future-of-health] https://www.evolvingvitality.com/blog/posts/peptide-therapy-at-evolving-vitality-what-it-is-and-why-it-s-changing-the-future-of-health

https://www.evolvingvitality.com/blog/posts/peptide-therapy-at-evolving-vitality-what-it-is-and-why-it-s-changing-the-future-of-health

Also in this episode:

• Book Mentioned: "Good Energy" by Casey and Calley Means

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com [https://www.ecircleacademy.com/] and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.

EP726: Michael Seemann - Why Mental Health Matters

"I'm responsible for 100% of my own healing." 

Success doesn't come from your coach—it comes from you. This nugget hits hard with one truth: no one can do the work for you. You can hire the best mentor in the world, but if you're not fully invested, nothing changes. The moment you take full ownership, everything shifts. 

Your coach can guide, challenge, and inspire—but they can't move your feet. If you resist their direction or half-commit, you're setting your money on fire. But if you show up 100%—coach­able, committed, and accountable—you'll unlock results that no coach could ever hand you. 

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com [https://www.ecircleacademy.com/] and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

EP725: TL Nuggets #217 - How Much Responsibility Do You Bear For Your Success When You&#x27;re Being Coached?!

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE YOU WERE BORN TO MAKE The Business of Thought Leadership podcast is about building your thought leadership around your expertise, your brand and your name. To become well known and highly regarded in the market place for the results you are able to produce for your clients. Our guests are top thought leaders who have done it. They’ve become widely known for their expertise and results they’re able to deliver for their clients. They all love what they do and get paid very well for doing it. You’ll meet entrepreneurs that have leveraged thought leadership in driving business revenue, coaches that were unknown and barely making ends who later became celebrities and took their income into the 7 figures, consultants that transformed into best-selling authors and built multi-million dollar firms and senior executives who followed their passion, left their day jobs and are changing the world. We’ve had interviews with notables such as New Times Best-Selling Author Seth Godin, success and investment coaching icon, Raymond Aaron, a personal coach to billionaires, Alex Charfen & Tony Robbins’ Director of Coaching, Marc Von Musser. Steve Jobs once said “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” Are you crazy enough to join us in making the difference you were born to make. We want you to 10x your impact, your income and your influence every 12 months. Financially successful people with purpose and passion are changing the world and we want to inspire you to be one of them.

The Thought Leader Revolution Podcast

“A real man is sovereign over his own life. He takes full responsibility for becoming a better man, and owns his own successes and failures. But he also understands the value of being a part of a band of brothers, the kind that have his back, and he can call at 3 AM if he’s stuck in a jail cell, because they’ll come and get him. He understands that just like a wolf pack, the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack.” — Nicky Billou Welcome to the Sovereign Man Podcast where we have the conversations that matter to you as a man, and inspire you to become the best version of yourself. You’ll learn from the best business, career, financial, relationship, and mans skills experts from around the world. The Sovereign Man Podcast is for motivated men like you who want to win in today’s world. We equip you to become better in every area of your life from establishing mastery over yourself, to defining your purpose, strengthening your family and your relationships, becoming a better leader, and learning man skills. Each week I have real, unscripted conversations with real men, successful men, and men who give a darn.

Nicky Billou

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