Podcast
1503: Relentless Impact: Stay Ahead of Rapid Change and Build Stronger Creative Systems with AI, with Pete Gosling
Pete Gosling is a creative agency founder, AI strategist, and author helping businesses adapt and thrive in the fast-changing landscape of design, technology, and marketing. As the leader of GDS Pro and Design Tech AI, Pete applies 20+ years of creative and business experience—from animation and digital advertising to AI-powered solutions—to empower marketers and creatives to embrace change with resilience, curiosity, and actionable frameworks. His new book, "Relentless Impact," equips professionals with the mindset and practical tools to turn disruption into opportunity and continuous growth.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Pete Gosling joins Robert Plank to explore how agencies, marketers, and creatives can stay ahead of the curve by developing an AI-first mindset. Pete shares practical lessons from his journey through multiple technology disruptions, discusses why adaptability is more important than rigid long-term plans, and introduces the "momentum loop" framework for continuous improvement. Listeners will hear how skills evolve, why leadership is now essential at every level, and how to channel setbacks into fuel for innovation and business growth.
Quotes:
“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”
“The harder I work, the luckier I get.”
“Don’t try to avoid mistakes or hide from potential issues. Real strength is being able to take a punch and keep going.”
Resources:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:25 — 37.7MB) | Embed
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1502: The Co Parent Secret: How to Turn Divorce into a Respectful, Love-Filled Environment for Your Child with TEDx Speaker and Author John Bassford
Jon Bassford is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and the driving force behind a movement transforming co-parenting through intentionality, respect, and child-centered strategies. As the author of "The Co-Parenting Secret: It’s Not About You," Jon empowers parents—whether divorced, separated, or in parallel parenting situations—to let go of animosity, nurture genuine relationships, and build supportive environments where children thrive. Drawing on his personal journey and coaching expertise, Jon helps entrepreneurs, business owners, and families turn the challenges of separation into opportunities for growth, clarity, and lasting connection.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Jon Bassford joins Robert Plank to reveal the mindset shifts and practical steps that make co-parenting successful—even in high-conflict or complex family situations. Jon shares why focusing on the child’s experience (instead of parental score-keeping) is the key to reducing conflict and fostering deep, lasting relationships. He discusses the initial discomfort of building new co-parenting routines, overcoming external skepticism, and strategies for letting go of the past to create a positive future. Listeners will hear actionable advice on communication, adapting business skills to parenting logistics, and the transformative power of small, intentional choices—like beginning with just one "yes" or "of course."
Quotes:
“If you don’t have a reason to say no, you should always say yes in this type of environment.”
“It’s not about you. It’s about what’s best for the kids: let go of animosity, remove your ego, and focus on their time.”
“Start with one yes. Or, even better, of course—and let it snowball into something more positive for everyone.”
Resources:
- Visit Jon Bassford's Website
- Connect with Jon Bassford on LinkedIn
- Get "The Co-Parenting Secret: It’s Not About You," on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:06 — 33.1MB) | Embed
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1501: Don’t Fear AI: Master Tools That Multiply Your Brainpower and Career Impact with AI Futurist and Father of the Virtual Assistant Kevin Surace
Kevin Surace is an acclaimed technology innovator, keynote speaker, inventor, and Silicon Valley futurist whose pioneering work laid the foundation for modern AI virtual assistants. With 94 patents to his name and credits that include reinventing the Empire State Building’s energy systems, Kevin brings decades of expertise, visionary leadership, and a passion for demystifying artificial intelligence. Through his roles as entrepreneur, advisor, and inspirational speaker, he empowers companies and individuals alike to embrace the AI-first mindset and leverage cutting-edge tools for radical productivity and business transformation. As the architect behind breakthrough technologies and a mentor to organizations adapting to the AI revolution, Kevin is recognized for bridging technical depth with real-world, actionable strategy.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Kevin Surace shares the actual impact of generative AI on our lives, careers, and companies. Kevin challenges common fears about AI and offers practical frameworks for using it to achieve “10x” results across marketing, sales, creativity, and software development. He recalls lessons from decades of innovation and shares stories from building music demos to orchestrating press quotes with AI. He explains why mindset, judgment, and continuous learning are more vital than ever. The conversation dives into future trends like humanoid robots, the changing nature of employment, and the keys to thriving, not just surviving, in the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence.
Quotes:
“If you can’t find a 10x productivity improvement (with AI), you’re either doing it wrong or have the wrong technology; that’s what you should be looking for.”
“AI is a game changer. You have to use it every hour. Think AI-first, not AI-second or third. Everything is AI-first.”
“It’s only as good as the information you give it, just like if you had a PhD sitting next to you—you need to put in the effort.”
Resources:
- Connect with Kevin Surace on LinkedIn.
- Watch Kevin Surace on YouTube
- ELEVATING VISION WITH FUTURISM AND AI INSIGHTS
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:31 — 44.7MB) | Embed
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1500: From $50 Million Loss to Real Estate Empire: Build Wealth, Overcome Setbacks, and Achieve Fulfillment with Rod Khleif
Rod Khleif is a renowned real estate investor, podcast host, educator, and philanthropist celebrated for his expertise in mindset-driven success and his commitment to giving back. With a journey that spans immigrating to the U.S. with nothing, building (and rebuilding) multi-million dollar portfolios, and teaching thousands how to achieve financial freedom, Rod seamlessly blends inspiring personal stories with practical strategies for real estate investment and personal growth. As host of the “Lifetime Cashflow through Real Estate Investing” podcast and mentor to a vibrant community, Rod is known for making high-level real estate and entrepreneurial concepts accessible to anyone ready for transformation, whether he’s guiding newcomers at his boot camps, sharing stories of overcoming setbacks, or helping others design a life of passion and purpose.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Rod Khleif sits down for a wide-ranging conversation on the mindset shifts that fuel extraordinary achievement, the vital importance of goal-setting and commitment, and the true definition of fulfillment beyond material success. Rod recounts his rise, fall, and resurgence in real estate, shares lessons in resilience from losing and regaining $50 million, and opens up about the power of gratitude and contribution. Drawing parallels among business, philanthropy, and mentorship, Rod offers actionable advice for building wealth, cultivating a thriving peer group, and achieving lasting happiness, even amid setbacks.
Quotes:
“Mindset trumps mechanics. Success is 80 to 90% psychology, only 10 to 20% strategy.”
“Don’t fear failure; fear regret. Action mitigates fear. The only thing worse than failure is not living up to your potential.”
“Gratitude is the most powerful emotion for achievement. It’s impossible to be fearful and grateful at the same time.”
Resources:
- Master Multifamily Real Estate To Create Generational Wealth & Freedom
- Connect with Rod Khleif on LinkedIn
- Join the mission with Tiny Hands Foundation
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:35 — 36.5MB) | Embed
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1499: Make Tough Decisions: Strengthen Leadership and Drive Board Success with Author and Leadership Expert Rick Williams
Rick Williams is a seasoned keynote speaker, board member, author, management consultant, company founder, and podcast host recognized for his ability to teach leaders how to make difficult decisions that shape the future. Drawing on his extensive experience serving on boards of technology companies and leading organizations, Rick combines real-world lessons in leadership, decision-making, and board governance with a passion for mentorship and growth. He is known for making complex business topics relatable, whether addressing Harvard Business School alumni, writing for CEO World Magazine, or sharing lessons from the sailboat races he loves.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Rick Williams returns to host Robert Plank in a conversation that dives deep into high-stakes leadership, the critical role of board members, and the lasting impact of teaching by example. Rick discusses promoting his book “Create the Future,” launching his new podcast, and distilling lessons from headline-making events such as the Tesla board’s decision on Elon Musk’s compensation. Through stories of business, sailboat racing, and personal experiences, Rick shares actionable strategies for building effective boards, making tough calls, and fostering a mindset that empowers teams and organizations to thrive.
Quotes:
“Your job as a leader is to make decisions, and those decisions create the future.”
“A board should be a value accelerator, not just a group of your friends.”
“The most important job of a board is to hire the right CEO at the right time for the company.”
Resources:
- Connect with Rick Williams on LinkedIn.
- Rick Williams: Helping Leaders Succeed
- Create the Future: Powerful Decision‑Making Tools for Your Company and Yourself
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:40 — 43.5MB) | Embed
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1498: Train With Pack: Youth Baseball and Football, Build Resilience, Confidence with Coach and Author Jason Taylor
Jason Taylor is the founder of the Pack Baseball and Softball Academy, a transformative coach, mentor, podcaster, and innovator known for integrating AI technology into youth sports training. Recognized for his holistic approach, Jason empowers young athletes and fellow coaches alike to build resilience, mental strength, and life skills, both on and off the field. Through developing emerging talent, supporting parents and coaches, and leveraging new tools to maximize performance, Jason inspires others to believe in their potential and achieve lasting success.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Jason Taylor joins Robert Plank to share how sports can teach resilience, the importance of mentorship, and the role of vision in personal and professional growth. Jason reveals how their academy’s new AI tool analyzes swings to accelerate athlete development and discusses stories of transformation—like that of a struggling youth who became a star athlete. He offers real-world parenting advice, highlights the foundational role of mentors, and shares how believing in each child’s future can foster not only athletic achievement but lasting, positive life change.
Quotes:
“The strength of the wolf is in the pack, and the strength of the pack is in the wolf.”
“There are no shortcuts. Resilience is probably the most life-changing skill that sports teach you.”
“A mentor’s belief in you transfers until you start to believe it yourself, and once you do, you can’t be derailed.”
Resources:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:49 — 39.6MB) | Embed
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1497: Death, Dying, and Beyond: How to Find Peace, Purpose, and Humor in Life’s Final Chapter with Award-Winning Author Coach Darity Wesley
Darity Wesley has navigated a diverse and unconventional career path, moving from attorney and privacy law expert to a multifaceted professional known as the “Death Diva.” Alongside her legal work, she has pursued coaching, authorship, and a metaphysical path, demonstrating adaptability and a willingness to explore different facets of life. During the pandemic, she left San Diego for the mountains of Northern California, embracing a quieter, nature-focused lifestyle while continuing her professional pursuits remotely. Her journey reflects a balance between structure and flexibility, showing that varied experiences can coexist and enrich both personal and professional growth.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Wesley discusses her current mission to demystify death and encourage meaningful conversations about dying, grief, and end-of-life planning. She highlights her work with certified mediums through her platform, Death, Dying, and Beyond, offering webinars and Thursday Zoom sessions. Wesley is also authoring the book No One’s Getting Out of Here Alive: A Practical Guide to Death and Dying, aiming to break societal taboos and help people approach mortality with curiosity rather than fear. She shares practical strategies for preparing emotionally, financially, and spiritually, emphasizing that confronting death enhances the way we live. Her work blends legal guidance, coaching, and metaphysical exploration, providing tools to navigate life and death with clarity, grace, and presence.
Quotes:
“We really are varied human beings that can do all different things, and that’s part of the fun of life—not to get caught up in any particular thing.”
“Death is a sacred process, and in that sacred process, what we need to do is support each other, whether it’s grief, a terminal diagnosis, or simply not knowing.”
“By contemplating death, it really helps us live our lives better now. When you have no fear, living your life becomes a completely different experience.”
“You can shift from fear to curiosity about death, which kind of tampers down the fear and opens you up to understanding and acceptance.”
Resources:
1496: How AI Changes Ecommerce: Deliver Personalized Experiences, Increase Conversions, and Scale Customer Engagement with Luca Borreani
Luca Borreani is the co-founder and CMO of ZipChat.ai, a leader in conversational AI that transforms every e-commerce chat into a revenue opportunity. Driven by a passion for digital marketing and innovative automation, he empowers brands to recover abandoned carts, convert browsers into buyers, and provide 24/7 multilingual support. Luca’s expertise includes agentic AI, customer journey optimization, and the creation of scalable, value-driven e-commerce experiences for stores of any size.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Luca Borreani joins Robert Plank to demystify agentic AI in e-commerce and how merchants can use ZipChat.ai to automate support, increase conversions, and delight customers on platforms from Shopify to WooCommerce. Luca reveals how smart automation and instant, context-aware responses unlock missed sales, eliminate friction from business hours, and cater to an international customer base. The discussion covers practical integration tips, evolving AI capabilities, the value of early adoption, and why focusing on customer experience leads to long-term growth. Listeners will discover actionable ways to get started with agentic AI without complex workflows and to stay ahead in the rapidly changing world of digital commerce.
Quotes:
“With AI, you unlock sales opportunities even when your team’s offline conversations happen in any language, any time.”
“Agentic AI doesn’t just answer questions; it takes action, like creating custom coupons and adapting in real time to customer needs.”
“The longer you use AI, the greater your competitive advantage; it’s compounding technology that keeps getting smarter.”
Resources:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:16 — 37.5MB) | Embed
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1495: Expand Your Business with Podcast Guests: Forge Connections, Generate Leads, and Enhance Your Brand with Senior Client Account Manager Kristen Nolan
Kristen Nolan is a senior client account manager at Interview Valet and a podcast matchmaker celebrated for helping clients transform podcast interviews into strategic revenue engines. Passionate about building authentic connections, she empowers entrepreneurs, authors, and brands to leverage podcast guesting as a powerful marketing tool—even for introverts and those new to the medium. Kristen’s expertise spans client preparation, relationship building, and maximizing podcast appearances for both reach and genuine impact.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Kristen Nolan joins Robert Plank to reveal the art and science of successful podcast guesting. She explains why preparation—such as audience research and episode review—is key, and how focusing on helping the host’s audience unlocks more value than self-promotion. Kristen discusses strategies for shy guests, the importance of promoting and repurposing podcast appearances, and how real business growth comes from nurturing authentic, long-term relationships. Listeners will gain actionable tips for being better guests, keeping connections alive after the show, and using podcasting as a strategic, rewarding part of their brand’s growth.
Quotes:
“The best podcasts sound like two people in a coffee shop having a simple conversation.”
“Don’t just rattle off your resume—provide value for the audience.”
“Hosts love when you promote their episode—if you do, they’ll promote it more too.”
Resources:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:15 — 37.4MB) | Embed
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1494: Beat Stage Four Melanoma: Navigate Clinical Trials and Advocate for Your Health with Survivor and Patient Advocate TJ Sharp
TJ Sharpe is a stage four melanoma survivor, nationally known patient advocate, keynote speaker, digital health technologist, and consultant to the life sciences industry. Drawing from personal experience and his work in clinical research, TJ empowers healthcare and pharma organizations to prioritize patient-centric approaches to trials, communication, and support. He shares his story to inspire others facing adversity and to promote transformative improvements in healthcare.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, TJ Sharpe joins Robert Plank to recount his journey from being diagnosed with melanoma in his twenties, through a life-threatening recurrence that led him to cutting-edge clinical trials, to his eventual recovery and the launch of his advocacy career. TJ details his navigation of the medical system, the emotional and logistical challenges faced by patients, and how gratitude and support systems are as important as medical interventions. The discussion spotlights the importance of accessible, transparent information, and patient empowerment within clinical research. TJ also describes his consulting work to help organizations incorporate patient voices and streamline drug development for the benefit of all.
Quotes:
“If you don't know all your options, you're not making the most informed choice for you.”
“Finding your ‘ninja’—that support person—makes all the difference in getting through a cancer journey.”
“It's not just about surviving cancer, it's about making a difference for millions more who will walk this path.”
Resources:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 37:09 — 51.0MB) | Embed
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