The Business Development Podcast

Episode 334 with Ally Stone is a powerful journey through leadership, resilience, and what it truly means to put people first when everything is on the line. From building and scaling a multi-million-dollar restaurant group to leading through one of the most emotionally intense moments in business during COVID, Ally shares how real leadership shows up in action, not words. Her decision to feed hundreds of employees when the business shut down, instead of protecting margins, is a defining moment that reflects the culture she built and the values she stands for.
But this episode goes far deeper than business. Ally opens up about the life-altering moment in Tokyo that changed everything for her and her husband, leading to a complete shift in identity, priorities, and purpose. What follows is a raw and honest conversation about burnout, pressure, and rebuilding from the ground up, not just as a leader, but as a human being. This is an episode about becoming, about learning to lead yourself before you lead others, and about finding strength in the moments that break you.
Connect with Ally Stone
🌐 theinspiredleader.com

Key Takeaways:
Leadership is revealed in crisis, not comfort, and the decisions you make under pressure define your legacy.
People-first cultures are not a strategy, they are a commitment that shows up when it’s hardest to follow through.
Your team is the true engine of your business, not your product, pricing, or location.
Success in business is built on human connection, and when you invest in people, they invest back in you.
Burnout does not happen overnight, it builds quietly through ignored signals until your body forces you to stop.
You cannot lead others effectively if you are running on empty, self-leadership comes first.
Life can change instantly, and resilience is built through how you respond, not what happens to you.
Letting go of control and identity tied to your role can open the door to a more meaningful purpose.
Authentic leadership requires vulnerability, even when it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar.
Growth is not about doing more, it is about becoming more, both as a leader and as a person.

🎸 Sponsor Shoutouts:
A huge thank you to Colin Harms and Jamie Crozier for your continued support of The Business Development Podcast. Your partnership helps make these conversations possible. 🫶
The Business Development Podcast is proudly sponsored by Hypervac Technologies, Hyperfab, Thunder Bay Hydraulics Inc., and Atlas Elite Lifts. 🎸⭐
Hypervac Technologies is North America’s leader in hydrovac excavation, delivering safe, non-destructive solutions for critical infrastructure and utility work.
🌐 www.hypervac.com
Hyperfab, the fabrication division of Hypervac, builds custom industrial solutions designed to perform in the toughest field conditions.
🌐 www.hyperfab.ca
Thunder Bay Hydraulics Inc. is a trusted leader in hydraulic cylinder repair, manufacturing, and system support for industries like mining, construction, and forestry.
🌐 www.thunderbayhydraulics.com
Atlas Elite Lifts provides premium automotive lift solutions built for safety, performance, and long-term reliability.
🌐 www.atlaselitelifts.com
Join The Catalyst Club Community: www.kellykennedyofficial.com
If you are serious about growth, leadership, and surrounding yourself with people who are actually moving the needle, The Catalyst Club is where that continues. Weekly live sessions, real conversations, and a community built to help you grow.
Mentioned in this episode:
Hyperfab Midroll

Some moments in life don’t make sense… but they stay with you forever. In Episode 333 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Mike Schoenberger, CEO of Sunco Communications, for a conversation that goes far beyond business strategy. Together, they explore two deeply personal experiences they’ve never fully been able to explain, moments where they both knew something had happened before they were ever told. What unfolds is a powerful discussion on human connection, intuition, and the unseen forces that shape how we lead, think, and show up in the world.
This episode also dives into Mike’s journey building a $20M company rooted in people, culture, and authenticity, and why the leaders who win today are the ones willing to be vulnerable, present, and real. From leading with love versus fear to embracing the uncomfortable moments that drive growth, this is a conversation that challenges traditional thinking and reminds us that business is built on something much deeper than strategy alone.
Key Takeaways:
The leaders who win are the ones who are willing to be real, vulnerable, and fully seen by their teams.
Human connection is the foundation of business, not strategy, systems, or processes.
The most powerful growth often comes from moments you cannot explain but choose to learn from.
Leading from love creates trust and performance, while leading from fear creates tension and limitation.
Failure is not the opposite of success, quitting is, and every setback is an opportunity to grow.
Initiative is everything, don’t wait to be told what to do, just start and adjust as you go.
The strongest cultures are built when people feel safe to be vulnerable and make mistakes.
Real leadership requires slowing down, becoming aware, and making intentional decisions instead of reacting.
The more connected you are to yourself, the more effectively you can connect with others.
Success is not just built on what you know, but on how you show up for people every single day.

🔗 Connect with Mike Schoenberger
🌐 Website: https://mikeschoenberger.com/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-schoenberger/

🎸 Sponsor Shoutouts
The Business Development Podcast is proudly supported by Hypervac Technologies, Hyperfab, Thunder Bay Hydraulics Inc, and Atlas Elite Lifts. 🎸⭐
Hypervac Technologies is North America’s leader in hydrovac excavation, delivering safe, non-destructive solutions for critical infrastructure projects. If you work in construction, utilities, or industrial services, check them out at www.hypervac.com
Hyperfab, the fabrication division of Hypervac, delivers custom-built solutions engineered to handle the toughest demands in the field. Learn more at www.hyperfab.ca
Thunder Bay Hydraulics Inc has been a trusted name in hydraulic cylinder repair and manufacturing for over 55 years, supporting industries like mining, forestry, and construction across North America. Visit www.thunderbayhydraulics.com
Atlas Elite Lifts delivers premium automotive lift solutions built for performance, safety, and reliability. If you are looking to upgrade your shop, check them out at www.atlaselitelifts.com
If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to support these incredible companies who make conversations like this possible. 🎸⭐
Join The Catalyst Club Community
If you are serious about growth, leadership, and surrounding yourself with high level thinkers, The Catalyst Club is where you need to be.
This is a private community for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals committed to moving the needle every single week.
Join us here: 🌐 www.kellykennedyofficial.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Hyperfab Midroll

In Episode 332 of The Business Development Podcast, Jeroen Kraaijenbrink challenges one of the most common misconceptions in business today: that strategy belongs to leadership. With over 20 years of experience across academia and consulting, Jeroen breaks down why traditional, top-down strategy approaches consistently fail and what it really takes to build strategies that stick. His human-centered approach reframes strategy as a shared capability, not a static plan, and introduces the idea that everyone in an organization should be thinking and acting strategically.
This conversation dives into the shift from strategy as a one-time exercise to strategy as a daily practice. Jeroen explains how organizations can build strategic competence across teams, why adaptability is the most critical skill in today’s environment, and how leaders can move from control to empowerment to drive real execution. If you’ve ever built a plan that didn’t translate into results, this episode will challenge your thinking and give you a new way to approach strategy that actually works.

Key Takeaways:
Strategy should not belong only to leadership. It needs to become a capability built across the entire organization.
Strategy works best as a daily practice, not a once-a-year planning exercise. Real execution happens when it becomes part of normal operations.
Strategic thinking is not enough on its own. People also need the ability to act, align others, and execute.
Most strategy failures happen because the human side gets ignored. If people do not believe in it, they will not carry it forward.
Adaptability is one of the most valuable strategic skills a person can build. The people who adapt best tend to have stronger long-term success.
A plan still matters, even if it changes. It gives you direction and helps you recognize the right opportunities when they show up.
Tools do not make strategy work on their own. Frameworks only help when the people and processes behind them are strong.
Everyone in a company should spend some time thinking strategically. That habit cannot sit only with executives.
Big strategic change can start small. A single team or department can prove a better way before the whole company adopts it.
The best strategy leaders stay open-minded. They listen, learn, and stay willing to challenge their own assumptions.

🔗 Connect with Jeroen Kraaijenbrink
🌐 Strategy Inc: https://www.strategy.inc
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeroenkraaijenbrink/
📘 The One-Hour Strategy
Jeroen’s latest book, The One-Hour Strategy, flips the script on traditional planning and shows how to make strategy a daily habit across your entire organization.
Get your copy here: https://www.jeroenkraaijenbrink.com/One-Hour-Strategy

🎸 Sponsor Shoutouts
The Business Development Podcast is proudly supported by Hypervac Technologies, Hyperfab, Thunder Bay Hydraulics, and Atlas Elite Lifts. 🎸⭐
Hypervac Technologies is North America’s leader in hydrovac excavation, delivering safe, non-destructive solutions for critical infrastructure projects. If you work in construction, utilities, or industrial services, learn more at www.hypervac.com
Hyperfab, the fabrication division of Hypervac, delivers custom-built solutions engineered to handle the toughest demands in the field. Learn more at www.hyperfab.ca
Thunder Bay Hydraulics has been a trusted name in hydraulic cylinder repair and manufacturing for over 55 years, supporting industries like mining, forestry, and construction across North America. Visit www.thunderbayhydraulics.com
Atlas Elite Lifts delivers premium automotive lift solutions built for performance, safety, and reliability. If you are looking to upgrade your shop, check them out at www.atlaselitelifts.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Hyperfab Midroll

In this episode of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy breaks down the real difference between people who build something meaningful and those who never get started. Drawing from the rapid launch of his new show and years of entrepreneurial experience, he challenges the idea of failure, reframing it as iteration, evolution, and intentional pivots. This is a powerful reminder that success is not about perfection, it is about momentum, action, and staying in the game long enough to win.
Kelly dives into the 10 most common pitfalls that stop new ideas in their tracks, from overthinking and imposter syndrome to slow execution and poor resource allocation. He emphasizes moving fast, taking imperfect action, and building relentless momentum while others hesitate. If you are sitting on an idea, questioning your next move, or struggling to gain traction, this episode will give you the clarity and push you need to take that first step and keep moving forward.

Key Takeaways:
Ideas without action die quickly, and the people who win are the ones who move first while others are still thinking.
Momentum is one of the most powerful forces in business, and small consistent actions will always outperform waiting for the perfect move.
Failure is not the end, it is either a lesson or a pivot that creates space for something better.
Nobody sees your vision the way you do, so you cannot rely on others to validate what you already feel is right.
Good enough executed today will always beat perfect that never gets launched.
Imposter syndrome disappears when you keep showing up and proving to yourself that you belong.
The biggest risk is not starting, because hesitation kills more opportunities than failure ever will.
Everything meaningful will take longer and cost more than expected, so staying in the game is the real advantage.
Revenue and profitability must come early, because businesses cannot survive on effort alone.
If you stick with anything long enough, keep evolving, and continue moving forward, success becomes inevitable.

The Business Development Podcast is proudly supported by Hypervac Technologies, Hyperfab, Thunder Bay Hydraulics, and Atlas Elite Lifts. 🎸⭐
Hypervac Technologies is North America’s leader in hydrovac excavation, delivering safe, non-destructive solutions for critical infrastructure projects. If you work in construction, utilities, or industrial services, check them out at www.hypervac.com
Hyperfab, the fabrication division of Hypervac, delivers custom-built solutions engineered to handle the toughest demands in the field. Learn more at www.hyperfab.ca
Thunder Bay Hydraulics has been a trusted name in hydraulic cylinder repair and manufacturing for over 55 years, supporting industries like mining, forestry, and construction across North America. Visit www.thunderbayhydraulics.com
Atlas Elite Lifts delivers premium automotive lift solutions built for performance, safety, and reliability. If you are looking to upgrade your shop, check them out at www.atlaselitelifts.com
Join The Catalyst Club
If you are serious about growth, leadership, and surrounding yourself with high-level thinkers, The Catalyst Club is where you need to be.
This is a private community for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals committed to moving the needle every single week.
Join us here:
🌐 www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub

Mentioned in this episode:
Hyperfab Midroll

In Episode 330 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Jordan Labelle, entrepreneur, strategist, and founder of Evergreen Growth Collective, to break down what actually drives long-term success in business. Jordan shares his journey through corporate, startup, and solopreneur life, revealing how each step wasn’t failure, but refinement. Together, they challenge the traditional “hustle harder” mindset and unpack why most founders burn out trying to do everything instead of focusing on what truly matters.
This conversation dives deep into redefining failure, building a business around your strengths, and the importance of staying in the game long enough to reach clarity. Jordan explains why growth doesn’t come from doing more, but from doing the right things with the right people, and how the breakthrough most entrepreneurs are searching for only comes through iteration, awareness, and persistence. If you’ve ever questioned your path, your business model, or whether it’s all going to work, this episode will bring clarity, reassurance, and a powerful reminder to keep going.
Follow Jordan Labelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-labelle/
Check out Evergreen Growth Collective: https://www.evergreengrowthcollective.com/
Email Jordan Labelle: [email protected]

Key Takeaways:
Failure isn’t missing the result, it’s failing to learn and repeating the same mistakes.
Every step in your journey is refinement, not failure, if you’re paying attention and adjusting.
Most entrepreneurs burn out because they try to do everything instead of focusing on what actually matters.
The breakthrough you’re looking for doesn’t come from planning, it comes from staying in the game long enough to find it.
You should build your business around what you’re best at and what you enjoy, not what you think you “should” be doing.
The things you’re best at are often invisible to you but obvious to everyone else, so ask for outside perspective.
Growth isn’t always about scaling bigger, sometimes it’s about staying intentionally small and building smarter.
Hiring should be based on trust, proactiveness, and willingness to learn, not just current skill level.
You don’t need to solve every problem yourself, leveraging partners and specialists can create better outcomes with less effort.
The people who succeed aren’t the smartest, they’re the ones who keep refining and don’t quit when things get hard.

The Business Development Podcast is Proudly supported by Hypervac Technologies, Hyperfab, Thunder Bay Hydraulics, and Atlas Elite Lifts. 🎸⭐
Hypervac Technologies is North America’s leader in hydrovac excavation, delivering safe, non-destructive solutions for critical infrastructure projects. If you’re in construction, utilities, or industrial services, check them out at www.hypervac.com
Hyperfab, the fabrication division of Hypervac, provides custom-built solutions designed to meet the toughest demands in the field. Learn more at www.hyperfab.ca
Thunder Bay Hydraulics has been a trusted name in hydraulic cylinder repair and manufacturing for over 55 years, supporting industries like mining, forestry, and construction across North America. Visit www.thunderbayhydraulics.com
Atlas Elite Lifts delivers premium automotive lift solutions built for performance, safety, and reliability. If you’re looking to upgrade your shop, check them out at www.atlaselitelifts.com
Join The Catalyst Club
If you’re serious about growth, leadership, and surrounding yourself with high-level thinkers, The Catalyst Club is where you need to be.
This is a private community for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals who are committed to moving the needle every single week.
Join us here:
🌐 www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub

Mentioned in this episode:
Hyperfab Midroll