ScaleX™ Insider Podcast

What if you could scale your business, grow your income, and expand your impact using YouTube—without spending a dime on ads? In this episode, Sunny Lenarduzzi, a social media consultant, business growth coach, and expert in online education, reveals how entrepreneurs can leverage YouTube and video marketing to build profitable, sustainable businesses that scale. From targeting the right audience to creating content that converts, Sunny shares the step-by-step strategies behind her Authority Accelerator program, which has generated over $15 million in monthly revenue for clients. Host Brendan McGurgan dives deep with Sunny into the world of online courses, content strategy, and YouTube marketing, exploring how SMEs and entrepreneurs can reach a global audience, monetise their expertise, and create freedom in both business and life. Episode Highlights: Why small, targeted audiences are more profitable than mass views How YouTube can serve as an evergreen, lead-generating platform The four key principles for YouTube success: purpose alignment, entry-level investment, proposition clarity, and problem-focused content Why production quality is secondary to providing real value How to use calls-to-action strategically to grow your email list and nurture leads Understanding the content scaling funnel: top, middle, and bottom of funnel strategies The importance of commitment, consistency, and patience when building your channel Leveraging AI to enhance content creation without replacing the human element How to overcome fear, perfectionism, and reluctance to put yourself on camera Real-life examples of entrepreneurs turning YouTube content into multi-million-dollar businesses Meet Sunny Lenarduzzi Sunny Lenarduzzi is a social media consultant, business growth coach, and philanthropist known for helping experts leverage video marketing to build successful online businesses. She has worked with clients across industries including tech startups, authors, and online course creators. Sunny is a recognised public speaker, having presented at NATO Headquarters and on national radio and television, and is the recipient of the Best in Social Media award for Western Canada. Sunny helps entrepreneurs scale their income, impact, and authority through her proven Authority Accelerator framework, empowering them to show up authentically, deliver incredible value, and achieve personal and professional freedom. Key Topics Covered: → Targeting the right audience for profitable growth → Building an evergreen YouTube strategy that generates leads over time → The Authority Accelerator format and how it drives revenue → Structuring content around real problems your audience faces → Maximizing ROI with minimal production investment → Calls-to-action and email list strategies for lead generation → Commitment and patience as critical factors for long-term success → Leveraging AI tools to optimize content creation → Overcoming mindset blocks and fear of putting yourself on camera Who Should Listen: This episode is essential for SME founders, entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, and online course creators who want to grow their income, impact, and authority using YouTube. Anyone seeking actionable strategies to leverage video, scale their business, and create personal freedom will benefit from Sunny's expertise. About Sunny Lenarduzzi: Sunny Lenarduzzi is a social media strategist, business growth coach, and entrepreneur dedicated to helping experts scale their businesses with video marketing. Through her YouTube channel, consulting, online programs, and speaking engagements, Sunny empowers entrepreneurs to leverage their expertise, create profitable online businesses, and reach audiences worldwide. Website: https://sunnylenarduzzi.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunnylenarduzzi About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling — creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme. A 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through growth plateaus. Host: Brendan McGurgan Website: simplescaling.com Subscribe & Listen Watch on YouTube: Simple Scaling ChannelListen on Apple Podcasts: ScaleX InsiderListen on Spotify: ScaleX Insider

Most people think walking is just exercise. Michael J. Gelb says it's the engine of genius. For centuries, the world's greatest thinkers used walking as their main source of inspiration — and they even invented tools to measure how much of it they were doing. In this clip, Michael reveals a surprising truth: the first pedometer wasn't invented by Fitbit — it was invented by Leonardo da Vinci. Why the Geniuses Walked: As Michael researched the relationship between history's greatest minds and walking, one pattern became impossible to ignore: A book about geniuses who didn't rely on walking for inspiration would be very, very short. Da Vinci walked with such elegance that villagers came out just to watch his movement. Thomas Jefferson also invented his own pedometer — "Thomas meters" — because he believed people would walk more if they could measure their steps. Poets like Emily Dickinson, Mary Oliver, and philosophers like Thomas Hobbes all used walking to spark ideas. Hobbes even built an inkwell into his walking stick so he could write mid-stride. Why Walking Creates Ideas: Michael explains that while much of the evidence throughout history is anecdotal, modern scientific research now backs it up: Walking increases creativity, stimulates new connections in the brain, and unlocks solutions that sitting still often suppresses. The Universal Pattern: Across music, literature, philosophy, science, and leadership, walking shows up as the ultimate inspiration habit: Beethoven composing in the fields Mary Oliver stopping mid-walk to write Jefferson drafting the foundations of a nation Da Vinci inventing a pedometer centuries ahead of his time The Real Question: Is walking inspiring these ideas — or are inspired people naturally drawn to walking? According to Michael, the research points strongly to the first. Walking doesn't just correlate with inspiration. It causes it. Key Takeaway: If you want better ideas, don't sit at your desk waiting for them. Move. Walk. Carry a notebook. Let your mind unspool in motion — just like the geniuses did. About Michael J. Gelb: Internationally renowned author and leadership expert, known for "How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci," with over one million copies sold worldwide. A pioneer in creativity, innovation, and executive development, he helps leaders elevate their presence, unlock their best ideas, and cultivate cultures grounded in awareness, poise, and authentic connection.   SCALEX™ AND SIMPLE SCALING: 📖 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 🔗 ScaleX Elevate Community: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-elevate 🔗 ScaleX Accelerator Programme: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme 🔗 Website: https://simplescaling.com 📧 Email: [email protected] 📱 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simple-scaling 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplescaling ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme #ConnectionWalks #MeetingCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamBuilding #SMEGrowth

Most leaders try to fix executive presence with confidence hacks, posture tricks, or communication frameworks. But as Michael J. Gelb explains, presence isn't about what you do — it's about what you stop doing. And nothing reveals this better than the Alexander Technique, the same methodology taught at the world's leading performance schools: the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal Academy of Drama, and Juilliard. It's also the foundation behind Michael's first book Body: An Introduction to the Alexander Technique. Why Most Leaders Repel Their Teams Without Realising It Walk into a room barking orders and people instinctively want to flee — especially creative, high-performing thinkers. But walk in with natural ease, openness, and curiosity, and everything changes. As Michael puts it: "The leaders people trust aren't the ones who tell you what to do. They're the ones who ask what's up for you — and how they can support you." What the Alexander Technique Really Teaches Alexander Technique is not about standing tall or fixing your posture. It's about retraining your nervous system so you can return to the natural poise you had as a child — upright, open-faced, free, and unarmoured. Michael trained three years in London to be able to guide others into this state through subtle, refined touch: Ease replaces tension Presence replaces intimidation Breath replaces bracing Openness replaces contraction It's the hidden foundation of true executive presence. A High-Pressure Coaching Story That Says It All Michael coached a CEO in a deeply tense, high-stakes Zoom meeting — board members, investors, and the executive chair all present. The CEO was intimidated, fidgeting, collapsing in on himself. Michael typed a single message in the Zoom chat: "Hands on the desk, palms up. Align through your vertical axis. Add a little smile." The CEO shifted — subtly, but profoundly. And suddenly, the entire room treated him differently. Because, as Michael says: "We teach people how to treat us. The most organised nervous system dominates the proceedings." Why Walking Is the Secret Accelerator Michael and co-author Bruce Fertman both realised that walking well is one of the fastest ways to embody the Alexander Technique. With just the first section of their book Walking Well, readers can transform how they move, breathe, and show up — without a single in-person lesson. Their vision: A global conscious walking community, guided by facilitators, grounded in ease, openness, and natural poise. Key Takeaways Executive presence is mostly about what you stop doing Natural poise is your birthright — tension and armor are learned A tiny shift in your nervous system changes how people respond to you The most regulated nervous system leads the room Walking well accelerates all Alexander Technique principles You can begin transforming your presence in minutes, not months About Michael J. Gelb: Internationally renowned author and leadership expert, known for "How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci," with over one million copies sold worldwide. A pioneer in creativity, innovation, and executive development, he helps leaders elevate their presence, unlock their best ideas, and cultivate cultures grounded in awareness, poise, and authentic connection. SCALEX™ AND SIMPLE SCALING: 📖 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 🔗 ScaleX Elevate Community: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-elevate 🔗 ScaleX Accelerator Programme: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme 🔗 Website: https://simplescaling.com 📧 Email: [email protected] 📱 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simple-scaling 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplescaling ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme #ConnectionWalks #MeetingCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamBuilding #SMEGrowth

What if you could get your best ideas by walking — and transform every step into a tool for creativity, vitality, and leadership? In this episode, Michael J. Gelb, the world's leading authority on genius thinking and innovative leadership, reveals how walking, mind mapping, and embodied awareness can radically enhance your personal and organisational performance. Host Brendan McGurgan reunites with Michael for a rich, wide-ranging conversation that blends neuroscience, creativity, mindfulness, and practical leadership insight. From seven days with Dr. Joe Dispenza, to the origins of mind mapping with Tony Buzan, to the revolutionary principles behind Michael's new book Walking Well, this episode is a masterclass in elevating how you think, lead, and live. Episode Highlights: Why walking is the most overlooked tool for creativity, clarity, and emotional resilience The simple (but genius) sequence that transformed every step Michael takes How to unlearn early conditioning around posture, "walking like a man/lady," and rigid movement Why most people unconsciously brace their ankles — and how releasing that habit eliminates pain and increases energy How mind mapping has helped Michael manifest goals for decades and why it works so powerfully for leaders Inside Michael's week-long immersion with Dr. Joe Dispenza — and how state change accelerates growth The connection between curiosity (Kuriosita), embodiment, and scaling with purpose Why barefoot walking, grounding, and plantigrade movement strengthen the entire kinetic chain How leaders can use creative practices like walking and mind mapping to think better and lead better Meet Michael J. Gelb Michael J. Gelb is the world's leading authority on the application of genius thinking to personal and organisational development. A pioneer in creative thinking, executive coaching, and innovative leadership, Michael has worked with global clients including Microsoft, Nike, Genentech, KPMG, Merck, and YPO. A member of Marshall Goldsmith's 100 COACHES, Michael is also a Senior Fellow at The Center for Humanistic Management and a renowned keynote speaker. Honored as "Brain of the Year," his work sits alongside recipients such as Stephen Hawking and Edward de Bono. He is the author of 17 books—including the international bestseller How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci—with over one million copies sold worldwide. Key Topics Covered → How walking transforms creativity, posture, and wellbeing → The neuroscience behind movement-induced insight → Universal principles from Joe Dispenza and how they apply to leadership → The art and science of mind mapping for strategic clarity → Releasing unconscious tension to reduce pain and boost energy → Why curiosity fuels purposeful scaling → Embodied presence as a leadership advantage → The power of lifelong learning and never resting on your laurels Who Should Listen This episode is essential for SME founders, leaders, and executives who want to think more creatively, access deeper insight, and lead with greater vitality. Anyone seeking practical tools to elevate focus, reduce tension, unlock innovation, and scale with purpose will benefit from Michael's wisdom. About Michael J. Gelb Michael J. Gelb is a globally recognised author, speaker, and leadership pioneer whose work blends creativity, embodiment, and organisational innovation. His books—translated into 25 languages—include How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci, Innovate Like Edison, The Art of Connection, and his latest, Walking Well, co-authored with Bruce Fertman. Michael helps leaders think more clearly, move more freely, and unlock their full human potential. Website: https://michaelgelb.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-gelb   About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling — creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme. A 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through growth plateaus. Host: Brendan McGurgan Website: simplescaling.com Subscribe & Listen Watch on YouTube: Simple Scaling ChannelListen on Apple Podcasts: ScaleX InsiderListen on Spotify: ScaleX Insider

Windowless conference rooms kill connection. PowerPoint presentations kill culture. Yet most SME leaders still meet this way, wondering why their teams feel disconnected and disengaged. Dr Michelle Johnston reveals a better way: motion creates emotion, and the best meetings happen outside, walking shoulder to shoulder. The Connection Walk Method: Michelle took physicians on a one-hour leisurely walk along the Mississippi River. Every 10-15 minutes, they paired up shoulder to shoulder with different colleagues and asked: "What does success look like to you by the end of the year?" "What's most challenging to you right now?" "How can I help?" The physicians admitted afterwards: "That was really powerful." Why Windowless Conference Rooms Kill Culture: One CEO was exhausted by Friday meetings where his team showed up in suits with PowerPoint slides, defending their jobs in a windowless conference room. Michelle's advice? "Invite them to your office for coffee. Sit around for 45 minutes and ask: 'What can I do to help you?'" The Meeting Hierarchy: Best: In-person, outdoors, walking shoulder to shoulder Better: Phone call whilst walking Good: Video call (last resort) The medium shapes the depth of connection. Why Motion Creates Emotion: Bart Foster of Business Outside built his company on this principle: walking shoulder to shoulder creates different chemistry than sitting across a table. His mantra: "Get us out of windowless conference rooms." The Questions Nobody Asks: What does success look like to you? What's most challenging right now? How can I help you? Simple. Easy. Powerful. Underutilized. Key Takeaways: Get people out of their comfort zone to build connective tissue. Rethink how you're meeting—format matters as much as content. No one wants to be talked at anymore. Walking shoulder to shoulder for one hour can create connections that last years. About Dr Michelle Johnston: Management professor at Loyola University New Orleans and co-author with Marshall Goldsmith of "The Seismic Shift in You." She helps leaders create connection-driven cultures that boost engagement and results. SCALEX™ AND SIMPLE SCALING: 📖 Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business 🔗 ScaleX Elevate Community: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-elevate 🔗 ScaleX Accelerator Programme: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme 🔗 Website: https://simplescaling.com 📧 Email: [email protected] 📱 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simple-scaling 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplescaling ScaleX™ Insider is brought to you by Simple Scaling—creators of the ScaleX™ Accelerator Programme, a 12-month journey for ambitious SME leaders combining strategy, mindset work, and peer support to break through revenue plateaus. 🔗 Learn more: https://simplescaling.com/scalex-accelerator-programme Connect with Dr Michelle Johnston: Website: MichelleKJohnston.com | Email: [email protected] | Book: "The Seismic Shift in You" #ConnectionWalks #MeetingCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamBuilding #SMEGrowth