The Thought Leader Revolution Podcast | 10x Your Impact, Your Income & Your Influence

"They get so excited about investing in the U.S. that they don't get the proper consultation before they do so."  Many Canadians lose money in U.S. real estate not because the deals are bad, but because the rules are different. Success comes from understanding taxes, choosing the right markets, and keeping structures simple. When emotions stay out of the way and the math leads, cross-border investing becomes far more predictable and profitable.  Michael Matthew shows how Canadians can avoid expensive mistakes by focusing on landlord-friendly states, population growth, and proper financing; why U.S. markets often offer better entry prices, how inspections can save you from disasters, and why due diligence matters more than excitement when evaluating a property.  Michael is a 35-year professional accountant who specializes in U.S.–Canada real-estate taxation. For over 15 years he has helped Canadians structure deals, avoid tax traps, and make smarter investing decisions on both sides of the border. 

"The whole point of life is people, is other people, is the love that you have for other people. That love is what makes you strong. It's what makes your life worth living."  Real wealth in business and entrepreneurship doesn't come from possessions or revenue; it comes from people. When you build a company around love, gratitude, and relationships, everything else becomes a tool rather than the goal. "Love people, use things" becomes a strategy: clients are human beings, your team is family, and money is simply fuel to serve more lives.  Sitting in a house full of laughter, food, and hugs on Thanksgiving, I'm reminded that every real win in my life has people at the center of it. I feel deep gratitude for my partner, my kids, my clients, my team, and every entrepreneur who's trusted me to help grow their business and impact. Relationships are the real ROI.  If this lands for you, turn it into action. Stop stressing over stuff that breaks and start protecting the love in the room. Call someone you hav

"Leadership is not something you do it's something that happens through who you are."   True strength in leadership begins at home. Families built on trust, communication, and that face the emotions beneath the surface, create a foundation far more powerful than any set of numbers on a spreadsheet. Stability, purpose, and resilience come from the invisible yet tangible forces of love, compassion, and loyalty. These shape how people show up in life and business.  René Sonneveld explains how these principles guided him through extraordinary chapters: global career pivots, deep personal loss, and the rediscovery of love. René shows why family governance fails without emotional governance, why "invisible capital" determines longevity, and why the most important asset a leader brings into any room is who they are. His insights tie into the message that family alignment wins over financial success. That's the true measure of legacy.  René is a father of five and a trusted coach to enterprise families worldwi

"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 upcom

"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 o

"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 and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

"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,

"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

"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 purp

"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 and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

"It's a story about patterns, the ones that shape us, trap us, and sometimes, if we're lucky, set us free." Power and transformation begin where truth meets courage. This conversation reveals how the human potential movement emerged from the radical optimism of the 1970s and reshaped into today's $48-billion self-help industry. At its core is the tension between enlightenment and ego — how the same tools that awaken millions can also entrap them if they surrender their inner wisdom to authority. The principles at play are timeless: responsibility, authenticity, and the danger of confusing charisma with truth.  From her front-row seat at the birth of EST, Marcia Martin exposes both the miracles and the madness behind the movement that promised human liberation. She shares what it was like to be a powerful woman in a man's world — creating mass transformation while learning hard lessons about influence, control, and integrity. Her reflections carry a rare honesty and hard-earned compassion that illuminate

“To attract those beautiful circumstances, what we have to do is raise our frequency vibration.”  Most people think success is about strategy—but it’s really about energy. Your emotional vibration determines what you attract. Stay stuck in fear, anger, or pride, and life keeps handing you the same struggles on repeat. Shift to courage, joy, or love, and everything changes.  There’s a frequency scale behind it all, one that explains why some people move effortlessly through life while others grind without results. It’s not about working harder—it’s about operating higher. When your vibe rises, so does your power to create.  This nugget reveals the little-understood secret behind the people who seem to magnetize success. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.  Also in this episode:  Dr. David Hawkins’ Power vs. Force  https://a.co/d/iTdisWT  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.

“When we chase something beautiful and glorious, we get inspired and that inspiration frees energy, and that energy is what gets it done.”  A powerful thought leader brand isn’t built on strategy alone—it begins with inner alignment. The foundation of real influence comes from living in harmony with your true nature and sharing wisdom that comes from experience, not ego. As Udo explains, thriving requires vision, not fear; renewal comes from stillness; and true leadership starts by reconnecting with the essence of life itself. When your work serves life, not money, your message becomes timeless.  Udo Erasmus reveals how his lifelong search for truth and health led him from war-torn Europe to pioneering the study of fats that heal and human nature itself. His insights on inspiration, silence, and vision remind us that the energy behind our message determines its reach. His story shows that thought leadership grows from service—helping others live better through what you’ve discovered within yourself. 

“Take time today, map out these five freedoms for yourself, and be honest. Are you someone that is taking action to become and be free right away?”  Freedom isn’t a single finish line—it’s a balance of five parts that most entrepreneurs overlook. The pursuit of success often begins with money but ends in exhaustion when other forms of freedom are missing. This Nugget explores what it really means to live free—not just financially, but in every area that gives your life depth and meaning.  Each freedom builds on the next, shaping a foundation that supports more than just your business goals. There’s a structure behind true independence—one that requires clarity, discipline, and a willingness to redefine what freedom feels like beyond the surface level.  This isn’t about chasing success. It’s about reclaiming control—over your choices, your time, your energy, and your mind.  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.

“You win this race in your mind before you ever win it with your legs. It’s the same in business. You’re going to win with your mind before you ever win it with all the tactical stuff that you do.”  Success rarely comes from following convention. It’s born from resilience, courage, and the willingness to think differently. The misfit entrepreneur doesn’t seek comfort—he seeks growth. He plays the long game, knowing that discipline, consistency, and perseverance outlast luck every time. Through every setback and success, the defining principle remains simple: keep showing up when everyone else quits.  Dave Lukas built multiple Inc. 5000 companies by thinking like a contrarian. When others pulled back during crisis, he tripled down on sales. When injuries or failures hit, he rebuilt stronger. He’s proof that success comes from mastering your mind before mastering your craft—and that long-term focus beats short-term hype.  Dave is an entrepreneur, investor, endurance athlete, and host of The Misfit Entrep

“If there’s any original entrepreneurs, it’s four guys in a basement or a garage without a dollar to their name, but big dreams and musical instruments. And that’s what we were. We were musical entrepreneurs" True opportunity arrives only when hard work meets truth. This episode explores how perseverance, humility, and self-awareness fuel long-term success. The principles shared here reveal that greatness isn’t built overnight—it’s crafted through patience, persistence, and a willingness to face uncomfortable truths about where you are and where you’re going.  Jim Sonefeld shares his journey from soccer fields to stadiums as a founding member of Hootie & the Blowfish, and how the band’s rise to global fame was built on preparation, honesty, and teamwork. He also dives into the mindset that helped him reinvent his life—transforming challenges like addiction into a message of hope, recovery, and purpose through music and speaking.  Jim is a multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter, and author of S

“I go after a lot of things as an entrepreneur. Probably 90% of the things may not happen on the timeline that I expect. But you better believe for that 10%, I’m gonna show up with the best attitude and energy that I have. Because I’m not gonna let the other 90% take away from my shine.”  The legal system wasn’t built for the human heart—but Tiffani Brown is changing that. Through her vision of human-centered law, she’s redefining what justice, service, and integrity look like in a world where entrepreneurs crave both success and soul. Her message is simple yet profound: law should protect people’s dreams, not bury them in paperwork.  Tiffani’s journey from big law to heart-driven entrepreneurship is a story of freedom and purpose. By paying off her $220,000 debt, walking away from corporate law, and creating My Legal Wellness, she turned her profession into a mission. She believes communities thrive when law is accessible, transparent, and grounded in compassion. Her philosophy blends strategy, spiritua

“Your expertise is your most potent asset.” Expertise is the key that sets you apart. When you define your lane and stay true to it, you stop blending into the noise and begin attracting the right people who value what you do.  This Nugget explores how narrowing your focus creates authority, why clarity in your message matters, and the role authenticity plays in turning knowledge into trust. It’s a simple shift that changes the way opportunities show up.  Your expertise is more powerful than you think. Use it well, and it becomes the magnet for growth in your business and relationships.  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

“If it’s all just business all the time, it’s actually way less rewarding.”  Success in business is not just about tactics or strategy—it’s about the strength of your relationships. Building genuine connections creates opportunities, opens doors to new audiences, and generates exponential growth. By leading with value first and nurturing trust, entrepreneurs can transform a single introduction into a steady pipeline of opportunities, clients, and collaborations.  Charles Byrd shares how he left Silicon Valley, leveraged his systems background, and built a seven-figure business by creating a streamlined process for joint ventures and partnerships. He explains how to get in front of ideal clients by tapping into existing communities, how to structure win-win deals, and why serving others first accelerates results. From referral parties to embedded partnerships, Charles gives practical examples of how relationship-based business can create both revenue and impact.  Charles is a joint venture expert, speak

“Successful people are decisive people.”  Every opportunity carries a hidden clock. Wait too long and the door closes—but act with speed and the world opens up in ways you can’t predict. The people who rise fastest aren’t the ones who wait for certainty, they’re the ones who move when others stall.  Inside this nugget is a story that reveals why some people attract wealth and others unknowingly push it away. It’s not about talent, luck, or even timing—it’s about what you signal when a chance lands in front of you. What would happen if you decided in seconds instead of days? What if you trained yourself to act with courage instead of hesitation? The answer might surprise you—and it could change the way you see every opportunity that crosses your path.  Learn more & connect:  Napolean Hill’s Think And Grow Rich: https://a.co/d/eRfAiFF  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.