What if AI could help you think more clearly, lead more effectively, and scale faster—without replacing your human touch? In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, David W. Carr speaks with Kyle Becker, Founder of Qualia AI, about the evolving relationship between AI and human leadership. Kyle shares his journey in startup innovation and why he believes AI should serve as a thinking partner rather than a replacement for leaders. This is not hype—it’s a grounded, strategic conversation about where AI meets emotional intelligence, decision-making, and growth. You’ll learn: - What leaders get wrong about using AI - Why AI should assist, not replace, human thinking - How Kyle built Qualia AI to enhance real-world productivity - The importance of systems thinking and decision structure - How to balance technology with timeless leadership values - The ethical challenges and blind spots leaders must confront - Why authenticity still beats automation in client relationships If you’re a business owner, consultant, or executive exploring AI but want to maintain your leadership edge, this episode will help you approach AI as a powerful ally for clarity, efficiency, and growth. Connect with Kyle Becker: Website: https://www.qualiaai.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylejbecker

Is your HR function driving strategy—or just keeping up with compliance? In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Mindy Honcoop, HR innovator, advisor, and founder of Agile in HR. With more than 25 years of experience across leadership, social work, and organizational ecosystems, Mindy helps leaders move beyond reactive HR and create workplaces where both people and businesses thrive. Mindy shares how burnout can become a breakthrough when leaders align people, process, and technology. She explains why fear holds back HR leaders, how curiosity opens new solutions, and how to build trust and alignment across fast-growing organizations.  In this conversation, you’ll learn: - Why HR must move from compliance-driven to a future-focused strategy - How to overcome fear and shift toward curiosity and co-creation - The role of trust, alignment, and communication in scaling organizations - Practical ways to integrate people, process, and technology for lasting impact If you’re an HR professional, executive, or business owner, this episode will give you the clarity and tools to create healthier workplace ecosystems and unlock growth. Connect with Mindy Honcoop: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindyhoncoop/ Website: https://www.agileinhr.com/

Is email really dead—or are people just doing it wrong? In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Ely Delaney, Automated Systems Strategist, author, and founder of Purple Knight Marketing. With over 25 years of experience, Ely helps speakers, coaches, and consultants simplify their marketing, automate their follow-up, and turn contacts into clients without becoming another voice lost in the noise. Ely’s approach focuses on adding value, building trust, and creating human-centered automation. His signature “Follow-Up Fix” ensures that when prospects are ready, you’re the first person they think of. In this conversation, you’ll learn: - Why email marketing still works when done right - How to lead with value instead of pressure tactics - Why automation should feel human, not robotic - How consistent follow-up builds trust and authority - Why most sales are lost due to lack of follow-up, not competition - How to design long-term campaigns that work on autopilot If you’re a business owner, consultant, or speaker looking to create stronger client relationships and free up time with smart systems, Ely’s insights will show you how to follow up the right way. Connect with Ely Delaney: Website: https://elydelaney.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elydelaney Free Resource:https://connectwithely.com

What if the biggest drag on your business isn’t the market—but the friction you’re creating inside your own company? In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Ryan Chute, Partner at Wizard of Ads® for Essential Services and founder of America’s Favorite Essential Home Services. Ryan shares his journey from being a “tyrant manager” in retail to becoming a relational, brand-forward leader after discovering the Wizard of Ads principles. Today, he helps essential service contractors (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) grow 4–10X by aligning brand, story, and culture while eliminating friction that slows down growth.  In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why most growth plateaus are caused by internal friction, not external factors - How transactional leadership damages culture and customer experience - Why brand and culture are inseparable in creating sustainable growth - The difference between quick-fix marketing and holistic strategy - How to prepare your company to scale—or even exit profitably - Practical steps to shift from short-term thinking to legacy building If you’re a business owner, consultant, or executive who wants to remove friction, align your culture with your brand, and scale with confidence, this episode will give you the clarity and tools you need. Connect with Ryan Chute: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wizardryanchute Wizard of Ads®: https://wizardofads.org

How do you turn pain into purpose and create a life of authenticity and freedom? In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr sits down with Aaron Mastny, founder of Inner Alchemy and leader of the Rebirth Retreat Center in South Carolina. Aaron shares his powerful story of moving from addiction, trauma, and shame to healing, transformation, and authentic leadership. Aaron’s journey—from heroin addiction and survival mode to coaching men and women in reclaiming wholeness—offers raw insights into the power of courage, vulnerability, and connection. Today, he helps people break cycles of survival, regulate their nervous systems, and step into true identity with love and purpose.  In this episode, you’ll learn: - How trauma and unprocessed emotions shape behaviors and leadership - Why men must move beyond the “lone wolf” mindset to brotherhood and connection - How nervous system regulation and emotional awareness drive resilience - Why vulnerability is a gateway to authentic influence, not weakness - Practical tools for facing shame, fear, and hidden pain head-on If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or individual seeking deeper purpose and freedom, Aaron’s story will inspire you to stop running from your pain and start leading with authenticity. Connect with Aaron Mastny: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamaaronyou Linktree: https://linktr.ee/aaronyou

What does it take to lead with clarity, build trust, and create a lasting culture in business? In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr sits down with Jim Bramlett, Vistage Chair, author of The Unconventional Thinking of Dominant Companies, and a serial entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience. Jim has started seven companies, navigated both failure and success, and now coaches executives through growth, leadership, and succession challenges. Jim explains why peer groups like Vistage provide leaders with the safe space, accountability, and insights they can’t find anywhere else. He shares stories of business transformation, leadership lessons, and practical insights on how executives can grow healthier companies while avoiding burnout.  In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why the best leaders are vulnerable, coachable, and lifelong learners - How self-limiting beliefs hold leaders back from their full potential - Why culture is intentional—and becomes your biggest competitive advantage - The importance of coaching and developing mid-level leaders for growth - Why every executive needs trusted peers to avoid isolation at the top If you’re a CEO, consultant, or executive leader who wants to scale without sacrificing your health or culture, this episode will challenge you to think differently and lead with greater clarity. Connect with Jim Bramlett: Website: https://jimbramlett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimbramlett1

How do you solve your most challenging business problems and influence others in a way that lasts? In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Tara Landes, founder of Bellrock Benchmarking and Licensed Influence Trainer with The Cialdini Institute. With more than 25 years of experience advising over 300 business leaders, Tara has helped organizations implement lasting change, train managers to become confident leaders, and apply the psychology of ethical influence to achieve sustainable growth. Tara combines practical consulting with science-backed methods, showing leaders how to stop firefighting and start creating healthier companies. She explains why influence is at the heart of leadership—41% of your workday is spent influencing others, whether you realize it or not—and how small, intentional changes can yield significant results. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why most business problems aren’t unique—and how to solve them faster - How habits, fear, and perspective keep leaders from lasting change - What ethical influence really means and how to apply it effectively - Why celebrating progress is critical for motivation and retention - How small changes in leadership behavior create outsized results If you’re a business owner, consultant, or executive who wants to lead with greater clarity and influence, this conversation will show you how to unlock new levels of leadership and results. Connect with Tara Landes: Website: https://bellrock.ca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taralandes

YouTube video by David W. Carr

YouTube video by David W. Carr