The Smartest Person in the Room
Self-Improvement
About
The Smartest Person in the Room isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about asking better questions. Hosted by INSPIRED Vibe founders Christin and Amber, this podcast is built on a simple idea: real growth happens when you intentionally put yourself in rooms where you’re not the smartest person there. Each episode features candid conversations with founders, executives, and high performers who share not just their successes, but the struggles, lessons, and mindset shifts that shaped them. From hard-earned insights to the moments they had to figure things out the hard way, these conversations are designed to stretch how you think and lead. If you’re building something, leading people, or pushing yourself to grow, this podcast will challenge what you think you know and help you find better rooms. Subscribe and join the conversation.
Episodes
- Why the Future of Small Business Bookkeeping Is AI-Driven: The Uplinq Story
Alex Glenn, founder and CEO of Uplinq, shares his journey building an AI-powered bookkeeping company for small businesses. The episode covers the lack of financial visibility in small businesses, the importance of customer realities over A…
- Scaling Fast, Letting Go, and Building Trust: The PayCompass Story
Justin Volrath, CEO of PayCompass, shares insights on building a business centered on trust and distinct practices. The discussion covers scaling operations, improving sales organizations, the challenges of delegation, and adapting to indu…
- If You’re the Smartest in the Room, You’re in the Wrong Room
In the first episode of The Smartest Person in the Room, Christin and Amber of INSPIRED Vibe explore how admitting ignorance is key to growth. They discuss leadership, vulnerability, curiosity, and building teams of smarter people, suggest…
- Prototyping, Quality, and Clarity: How Smart Tech Teams Build What Actually Works
Spencer Green, Director of Technology Strategy, is joined by Joe (Director of QA), Jake (Head of Product), and Drake (Business Development Manager) to discuss how smart tech teams build reliable products. They cover AI prototyping, quality…
- Money2020: The Role of Tech in Sales
Technology is essential for sales growth and efficiency, empowering professionals with insights and automation. Sales success depends on human connection, empathy, and integrating brand, sales, and technology.
- Money2020: The Future of Fintech
This episode discusses the Money2020 conference, highlighting the shift in fintech towards intelligent execution over experimentation. Key themes include the integration of AI, automation, and data for scalable growth, faster trust-buildin…
- Money2020: The Future of AI
Key insights from Money2020 indicate AI is moving beyond experimentation towards integration into business, reshaping financial institutions and tech companies. Inspired Vibe views AI as a force multiplier that enhances strategy and insigh…
- Escaping the Shadows: Helping Women in Polygamy’s Grip
This episode features Tawni detailing her investigation into polygamist communities, exposing exploitation and abuse of women and children. It covers the patterns of abuse, the illusion of choice, and the aftermath for survivors, highlight…
- Bahador Rahimi: Redefining an Industry by Solving Complex Problems with Simplicity
Bahador Rahimi, founder and EVP of AutoSquared.AI, shares insights on rebuilding broken systems, disrupting the auto finance industry with AI and automation, and the importance of simplicity in problem-solving. The episode touches on the r…
- Justin Yentes: Leading the Search for Truth
This episode features Justin Yentes discussing the legal system, focusing on the right to a defense for all individuals, sentencing disparities, and the importance of due process in the justice system.
- Leadership Lessons: Beyond the 12-Hour Day with Yrefy's CIO
Yrefy CIO Laine Schoneberger shares his journey from early retirement to founding a student loan company, focusing on strategic risk-taking and the power of aligned partnerships.
- From Sky-High Success to Grounded Wisdom: Don Fenstermaker’s Journey of Visionary Leadership
Don Fenstermaker, a leader in the financial tech industry who has guided companies to national recognition, shares his experiences with business oversight and the lessons derived from both success and betrayal.
- Exponential Potential with Aaron Bare: Mastering the Art of Impactful Change
This episode features Aaron Bare discussing his "Exponential Theory" on The Smartest Person in the Room. The conversation covers how embracing creativity and strategic thinking can lead to transformations in life and business, with Bare sh…
- Warp Factor Creativity: Jason Lanham's Rise with Astro Creative
Jason Lanham, co-founder of Astro Creative, shares his journey from a high school hobby to a successful business, detailing the impact of mentorship and overcoming health obstacles. The conversation covers maintaining creativity and authen…
- What is Brand Leadership? With Sean Huntington
Sean Huntington, founder and CEO of Honey Haus, joins the show to discuss brand leadership and community building. He shares insights on creating genuine audience connections and fostering loyal communities, using examples like RedBull and…
- Reimagine Connection thru Storytelling with David Navarrette
David Navarrette explains how businesses can foster genuine connections with audiences in a saturated digital market by using emotional intelligence, psychology, storytelling, and data analytics to create resonant content.
- What It Means to Earn It All with Justin Cross
Justin Cross details his entrepreneurial path from military service to founding Earn It All. The program focuses on enhancing employee resilience through fitness and mindset coaching, aiming to improve productivity and team cohesion.
- Authenticity and Resilience in Business with Patrick McMullan
Patrick McMullan, an entrepreneur, shares insights on the importance of authenticity and resilience in business. He explains how staying true to oneself fuels success and how belief in oneself and relationships can overcome challenges.
- Entrepreneurial Elevation: Building Businesses and Communities
Devin, founder of Arizona Entrepreneurs, discusses the role of community in entrepreneurship, highlighting networking, shared values, resources, partnerships, and friendships. The episode also touches on brand messaging and authenticity.
- Discovering Joy and Balance in Business and Life with Tish Times
Tish shares her experiences with marriage, entrepreneurship, and achieving balance. The episode covers setting boundaries, the value of rest, and the impact of internal growth on business and personal life.
- Breaking Free: Laughing Beyond Mental Health Challenges with Forbes Shannon
Comedian Forbes Shannon shares his journey of using humor to address mental health challenges. He discusses how laughter can break down shame and stigma, encouraging open conversations and reminding listeners that humor can be a coping mec…
- Balancing the Scales: Tim's Journey as a Business Attorney and Family Man
Tim Coons shares his experiences as a business attorney, detailing how he helps business owners navigate legal complexities. He also discusses the emotional aspects of his work and his methods for maintaining balance through family, joggin…
- How Interdependence Helped Joe Johnston Grow His Business Portfolio
Joe Johnston shares his entrepreneurial journey, including transitioning from the coffee business, building a community in Gilbert, AZ, and his experiences with a public art project. He emphasizes perseverance, family support, and adapting…
- Empowering Workplace Transformation: Reshaping Company Culture with Kindra Maples
Kindra Maples shares insights on transforming workplace culture, applying principles from animal training to foster healthier work environments. The episode covers strategies for enhancing team communication, mental health, and physical we…
- From Impulsive Reactions to Effective Leadership in Business with Michael Dahling
Michael Dahling shares insights on transitioning from impulsive reactions in the culinary industry to effective leadership, emphasizing how self-awareness and a shifted perspective fostered team loyalty and achievement.
- Navigating the Energies of Life: A Journey to Self-Discovery and Healing with Nicole Myden
This episode features Nicole Myden discussing self-discovery, healing, and setting energetic boundaries. Practical strategies for authenticity and recognizing one's worth are explored.
- Energy Alignment: Exploring the Power Within with Jaramy Eugene Wilson
This episode features Jaramy Eugene Wilson discussing soul science and energy alignment. It covers how aligning frequencies can lead to coherence, intuitive decisions, and harnessing innate power for personal and business growth.
- unWined: A Journey of Passion and Excellence with Kiera
This episode features Kiera, an Account Manager, discussing her career path from sales to marketing. She shares insights on how passion and dedication led to her creative and professional success.
- Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Building Bridges
Melissa Lamson's program empowered women entrepreneurs through a nine-month initiative, providing essential tools and knowledge. The program culminated in a pitch event and included a partnership with Venture Cafe Phoenix, focusing on unme…
- From Banking to the Kitchen: The Culinary Journey of a Mexican Chef
Chef Marco Hilton discusses his transition from a career in banking to the culinary industry. He shares the origin of his business, 3rd Floor Smoke, and his approach to Mexican fusion cuisine featuring smoked meats.
- NFL's Youngest Social Media Specialist with Q McCorvey
Quentin McCorvey, the youngest NFL social media specialist for the Arizona Cardinals, shares his journey from Miami University and the Pittsburgh Steelers on the INSPIRE the Vibe Podcast.
- unWined: Social Media Impact with Ashley Swanson
Ashley Swanson, Business Development Manager at INSPIRED Vibe, joins the podcast to discuss social media
- unWINEd: Video Strategy with Jeremiah Carter
Jeremiah Carter, a video strategist at INSPIRED Vibe, explains how businesses can leverage social media trends to increase reach and engagement, potentially creating new opportunities. He also has a background as a fitness influencer.
- Welcome to the Jungle: Equipping Entrepreneurs for Inevitable Challenges with Mikey Sheridan
Mikey Sheridan, founder of ACE High Coaching, appeared on the INSPIRE the Vibe Podcast to discuss his retreats. These events aim to help entrepreneurs gain control, improve health, and enhance their lives by providing tools to manage busin…
- Building Confidence in the Creative Process with ADMANITY®’s Kelle Steinecke
Kelle Steinecke, a Marketing & Business Consultant, joins the INSPIRE the Vibe Podcast to discuss building confidence in the creative process. She advocates for creating team cultures where employees thrive and mentions her partnership wit…
- Making an Impact: Entrepreneurs Change the World with Jaramy Wilson
Jaramy Wilson, co-founder of Light Army, shares insights on how entrepreneurs influence the world. He emphasizes that consistent effort, rather than being the smartest or most motivated, is key to making a significant impact.
- Business Decisions That Bring You Out on Top with Altitude Operations’ Jamie Hawk
Jamie Hawk, Co-founder and CEO of Altitude Operations, shares insights on making difficult business decisions as an entrepreneur that ultimately lead to success. Altitude Operations is an Operations Consulting and Project Management Firm.
- From a Really Small Town, to Really Big Impact, with Braxton Kilgo
Braxton Kilgo, founder of IBY, shares how his organization’s bracelets, designed to be shared, aim to spread positivity. The IBY mobile app is set to launch in early 2023, allowing users to track the bracelets' inspiring stories.
- How an Instagram Search Turned Into a Business w/ Arizona Entrepeneurs' Devin Butler
Devin Butler, founder of Arizona Entrepreneurs, joins INSPIRE the Vibe hosts Christin Daniels and Amber Halvorson to share the story behind his business networking model, founded just over three years ago. Arizona Entrepreneurs celebrates…
- Passion to Purpose: How to Turn Something You Love into a Business that Gives Back
This episode features graphic designer Breeanya Hinkel discussing how she transformed her passion for graphic design into a business, Prescott Woman Magazine, with the goal of empowering women and giving back to her community.
- This Valley Company is Coaching CEOs on Corporate Culture and Performance
This episode features talent strategist Shawna Reed discussing the Great Resignation, noting that 11.5 million Americans quit their jobs between April and June. Reed explains how employers can reduce employee turnover and build stronger te…
- unWINEd with Mandy: Lessons in Leadership
In this episode, executive producer Mandy shares her personal experience with leadership insecurities and imposter syndrome. She discusses challenges faced after a win for the digital content team and explores what it takes to be a better…
- Three Effective Ways to Attract and Retain the Right People For Your Business
This episode discusses three effective methods for businesses to attract and retain employees: dedicating time, leveraging individual talents, and providing appropriate compensation. It addresses the post-pandemic shift in employee priorit…
- Be Heard: How Two Small Words Can Make a Big Improvement in Your Company's Culture
Chef Jeff Kraus shares his "Be Heard" mantra, explaining how it improved his restaurant Crepe Bar's culture. He offers advice for business owners seeking to create a more positive and productive work environment.
- unWINEd with Mandy: Manifesting the Business (and Life) You Want
On unWINEd with Mandy, executive producer Mandy explores business manifestation, sharing practical steps like writing goals, visualization, and self-care to achieve desired business growth.
- From Downfalls to Bright Futures with a Path of Resilience Behavioral Health
Laroie Davis and Ryan McNeal, CEO and COO of A Path to Resilience Behavioral Health Services, share their personal stories of overcoming difficulties to build a business supporting those who have lost hope. They also discuss their strategi…
- Three Steps for Making the Leap from Company Owner/Operator to Pure Ownership
This episode discusses the common challenge of business owners being operators rather than just owners. It outlines three steps to transition out of the operator role: creating a strategic plan, establishing efficiencies, and delegating ta…
- UnWINEd With Mandy: How to Go Into Business With Your Bestie
Amber and Christin, co-founders of Inspired Co., discuss their experience starting a business with a best friend. They share the story of their 20-year friendship and cover important questions to consider before entering a business partner…
- Are You Creating a Meaningful Brand Story?
This episode explores how to craft a compelling brand story that resonates with customers, fostering connection, trust, and sales. It discusses learning from relatable entrepreneurs by showcasing authentic personalities and vulnerability.
- Oh.My.Gram! Get Ready to Embrace Instagram's New Algorithm for Growth
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