The Persistent Entrepreneur

In this episode of The Persistent Entrepreneur Podcast, David Hill interviews Lee Pepper, U.S. Army veteran and author of Never Outmatched, about the difference between marketing tactics and a real strategy. Lee shares military frameworks that translate directly into business growth, including Commander's Intent, the Anvil and Hammer approach, and how freedom of movement builds stronger teams and better execution. They also dig into why many founders get trapped by vanity metrics, how to pick KPIs that connect to revenue, and how to evaluate agencies using your business outcomes instead of their dashboards. The conversation also touches on AI's impact on search and buying behavior, and why business owners who ignore the shift risk waking up to a pipeline that quietly dried up. What you'll learn: How to separate tactics from strategy in marketing The Anvil and Hammer framework and how it applies to digital growth KPIs that matter more than likes, followers, and views How to stop letting other people's opinions derail your marketing plan How to evaluate agencies with outcome-based metrics Why AI is changing search and discovery faster than most founders realize   Connect with Lee: neveroutmatchedbook.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/leepepper/ Instagram: @theLeePepper TikTok: Lee.Pepper Connect with David Hill: Website: https://www.davidhill.ai Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidihill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidHillcoach LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidihill TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidihill X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/davidihill Ring Leader AI Demo: Text or call 774-214-2076

2026 will not reward excuses. It will reward discipline, clarity, and execution. In this episode, I break down the 8 rules that decide whether you win or lose in 2026. These aren't motivational clichés—they're the fundamentals that determine results in business, health, and life. The 8 Rules: Show up The 100% philosophy — show up all in Adopt an attitude of service — give Focus on your goals and dreams Take care of your body, your energy, and your fuel Commit to personal growth Keep moving forward with daily consistency Play to win, not just to avoid losing Ignore these rules, and the year will pass you by. Apply them, and 2026 can be your strongest year yet. This is a must-watch if you're serious about results—not just intentions. SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/@davidihill Follow David: www.davidhill.link  Grant Cardone  #davidihill #ringleadercrm #successrules #2026goals #personaldevelopment #mindsetmatters #discipline #consistency #playtowin #leadership #growthmindset #highperformance #entrepreneurlife #businesssuccess #goalsetting #grantcardone  

What actually protects a business when markets shift, technology changes, and industries face disruption? In this episode, David Hill talks with Matt Miale, founder of one of Connecticut's top-producing real estate teams, about what it really takes to scale without losing control. Matt shares why size matters, how elite teams stay stable during industry change, and why relationships remain the most reliable advantage in business. Matt breaks down the difference between appearing successful online and actually building something sustainable. He also explains how AI should be used as a support tool — not a replacement for trust, experience, or human connection. Key Takeaways: Why scale protects businesses during industry shifts How AI increases opportunity instead of eliminating professionals Why most agents get distracted by social platforms How high-production teams build accountability and focus Why relationships remain the strongest business asset What leaders must do differently to grow past plateaus How to align business growth with personal life goals Guest Bio: Matt Miale is a real estate leader, entrepreneur, and founder of multiple training and leadership platforms including Agent Production Academy, MPower Events, and the Real Estate MD Podcast. With more than two decades in the industry, Matt leads a high-performance team closing over 600 transactions per year across multiple markets. Known for his disciplined leadership style, he helps agents and business owners strip away noise, master fundamentals, and scale with intention. Connect with Matt Miale: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthewmialeinct Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmialeteam Connect with David Hill: Website: https://www.davidhill.ai Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidihill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidHillcoach LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidihill TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidihill X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/davidihill Listen on Apple & Spotify: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-persistent-entrepreneur/id1081069895    

Do the rules define you — or do you define your path inside them? Today David Hill talks with Lauren Wittenberg Weiner, bestselling author of Unruly and former CEO of WWC Global, about how entrepreneurs, leaders, and creators can rethink expectations and operate with more freedom. Lauren built a $100M consulting company after being told she "wasn't allowed" to work at her level overseas. That early moment sparked a career shaped by resilience, values, and strategic rule-bending. In this episode, she explains how rule-followers can evolve, how rebels can stay grounded, and how anyone can find space to create something better. Takeaways: • Why so many people feel stuck inside expectations • How to interpret rules instead of being boxed in by them • The difference between challenging limits and crossing lines • How moral grounding changes the way you take risks • Why entrepreneurs must understand the system before bending it • How to use norms and guidelines to your advantage • Why authenticity matters more than approval Guest Bio: Lauren Wittenberg Weiner is a bestselling author, speaker, and one of today's leading voices on leadership, service, and integrity. As the founder and former CEO of WWC Global, she grew one of the nation's top woman-owned national security firms while learning how to question norms without compromising values. Her book, Unruly: Deconstruct the Rules, Defy the Norms, and Define Your Success, empowers people to rethink the way they work, lead, and move through the world.   Connect with Lauren: Instagram: @laurenwittenbergweiner LinkedIn: Lauren Wittenberg Weiner Facebook: Lauren Wittenberg Weiner Connect with David Hill: Website: https://www.davidhill.ai Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidihill/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidihill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidHillcoach TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidihill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidihill X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/davidihill Listen on Apple & Spotify: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-persistent-entrepreneur/id1081069895  

This episode breaks down the real psychology behind winning and how everyday entrepreneurs can shift their mindset, discipline their actions, and rise into the small percentage of people who consistently achieve meaningful success.   In this conversation, David Hill sits down with Larry Rydell, founder of the Big Hitters Podcast and a leader who built an organization of 500 offices and 15,000 agents while managing billions in assets. Larry shares clear and direct lessons on what separates consistent winners from those who struggle to stay on track. He explains why intent drives every result, why discipline is non-negotiable, and how many people fall short simply by underestimating the work required to reach their goals. Larry draws parallels between competition, business, and personal development, emphasizing that winning feeds confidence, momentum, and long-term stability. He also outlines how to eliminate excuses, take responsibility for outcomes, and avoid becoming your own biggest obstacle. From adopting a strong mindset to following through on action, Larry gives straightforward guidance for anyone looking to grow, improve, and win more consistently. This episode brings practical insights for entrepreneurs, creators, independent professionals, and anyone aiming for long-term achievement. Key Takeaways (SEO-friendly bullets) • How intent shapes results in business and life • The importance of discipline and self-management • Why most people underestimate the effort required to win • How to eliminate excuses and take ownership of outcomes • The difference between winning once and winning repeatedly • Why surrounding yourself with winners accelerates growth • The value of learning from losses without letting them define you   Guest Bio Larry Weidel is the host of the Big Hitters Podcast and leader of the Big Hitters Community. He built a national financial services organization with 500 offices and more than 15,000 agents, overseeing $6.5 billion in assets. Larry focuses on helping people think bigger, aim higher, and build the mindset and work habits required to win consistently in business and life.   Connect with Larry Weidel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larryweidel/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larryweidel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larry.weidel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bighitterscommunity     Connect with David Hill: Website: https://www.davidhill.ai Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidihill/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidihill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidHillcoach TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidihill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidihill X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/davidihill Listen on Apple & Spotify: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-persistent-entrepreneur/id1081069895