Business Isn't Hard | Podcast on RSS.com

Business Isn't Hard

Business Isn't Hard

by Oliver Howard

Finding Your Path with Eric Knott

In this episode of Business Isn’t Hard, I sit down with Professor Eric Knott to break down what early career growth really looks like and why you don’t need to have everything figured out right out of college. Drawing on over 25 years of experience in HR leadership, consulting, and teaching at Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business, Eric shares practical advice on approaching your first roles, learning what you enjoy, and avoiding analysis paralysis. The conversation explores the power of networking, why students and young professionals often underestimate their advantage, and how relationships can accelerate careers faster than resumes. Eric also explains why business awareness matters and why understanding finance, marketing, and the broader business environment is critical for long-term success. Finally, Eric discusses one of the biggest career derailers he sees in leadership: ego. He breaks down what healthy confidence looks like, how unchecked ego damages careers and culture, and how to lead with humility, empathy, and accountability.

Building an Airline with Mark Beauvais

In this episode of Business Isn’t Hard, Mark Beauvais shares practical insights from decades of experience in leadership, strategy, and real estate. The conversation focuses on data-driven decision making, building strong business models, and staying adaptable in competitive environments. You will also hear lessons on the importance of relationships, disciplined thinking, and perseverance over the course of a long career. This episode offers clear, actionable takeaways for anyone looking to think more strategically and build lasting success in business.

Discipline and Understanding Others with Tony Imperato

In this episode, Tony Imperato shares the mindset and habits that have shaped his career—from the internal drive that pushes great leaders forward to the disciplined routines that create long-term momentum. He breaks down how to recognize real opportunities, build the kind of consistency that compounds, and develop the emotional intelligence needed to lead people effectively. It’s a practical, clear, and motivating look at what actually moves careers and businesses ahead.

Launching Xbox and Leading Teams with Parisa Zander

In this episode, I sit down with Parisa Zander, a global leader in partner experiences whose career spans Microsoft, Samsung, and Meta. Parisa shares the pivotal lessons that shaped her leadership, from operating with a startup mindset inside massive organizations to navigating the difficult transition from peer to manager. She breaks down how real culture is built through consistent actions, not corporate slogans, and why emotional intelligence is the backbone of every high-performing team. Listeners will walk away with insights on setting boundaries, reading team dynamics, and leading with empathy in environments that are constantly evolving. Whether you’re early in your career or stepping into leadership for the first time, this conversation offers a grounded, honest look at what it takes to create meaningful impact inside fast-moving companies. Tune in to learn the principles that help good leaders become great ones.

What is Growth? with Luke Crihfield

In this episode, Luke Crihfield shares lessons from his journey through consulting and startups, from taking ownership early in your career to leading with curiosity and deep listening. He explains how to find environments where your impact matters, bring solutions instead of problems, and build the skills that fuel long-term growth.

The Secrets to the Sports Industry with Tanner Natzke

Breaking into the sports industry - or any competitive field - takes more than talent. It takes discipline, relationships, and vision. In this episode, I talk with Tanner Natzke, Manager of Premium Sales at Tepper Sports & Entertainment and host of the Attitude, Effort, Results podcast. Tanner shares how he’s built his career by stacking daily habits that fuel energy and focus, building genuine relationships in every direction, and showing up face-to-face when it matters most. We also dive into leadership and why the best leaders dream big enough that others can find their place inside that vision.

Understanding What Energizes You with Marisa Szem-Stafford

What makes a great leader? Marisa Szem-Stafford, founder of Szem-Szem Consulting and former director of talent development at Hilton, shares how self-awareness and energy management shape success in the workplace. She breaks down how to identify what energizes you, the listening skills that set young professionals apart, and why learning how others work is the fastest way to build trust. You’ll also hear practical advice on standing out early in your career, communicating across different personalities, and knowing when it’s time to pivot. If you want to grow into leadership and maximize your impact, this episode is packed with insights you can use right away.

What High Achievers Look Like with Dylan Stafford

What does it really take to be successful? Dylan Stafford has reviewed thousands of applications, interviewed countless candidates, and ultimately admitted over 5,000 people into one of the top MBA programs in the world. In other words... he knows what separates those who make it from those who don’t. In this episode, we talk about the patterns he’s seen in high achievers (a blend of competence and reciprocity) and why your 20s should be an “adventure decade” to explore and discover your path. We talk about mindset, authentic leadership, and using informational interviews to accelerate growth. If you’ve ever wondered what top leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers have in common at the start of their journeys, this episode is for you.

The Smartest Role to Play in Your Career with Joe Chernov

In this episode, Joe Chernov, former CMO and seasoned marketing leader, shares timeless lessons on building a successful career and becoming a great leader. Joe reveals why finding someone who believes in you (and playing the vital role of making that champion look good) is often the key to unlocking new opportunities. He also dives into how to identify your true motivation, the importance of patience in career growth, and what impactful leadership really looks like. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, this episode offers actionable insights to help you build lasting momentum and success.

Getting People to Know Your Name with Chris Otey

If you’ve heard “relationships matter” but aren’t sure how to build them, this episode is your roadmap. Our guest went from answering support calls to launching two successful fintech startups by building genuine connections across an entire industry. Through golf outings, sales roles, and consistent follow-up, he didn’t just network, he made himself known. Those relationships became business partners, early customers, and startup momentum. We dive into how to grow your career by showing up, listening more than you talk, and being prepared. Researching people, understanding their world, and leading with curiosity, not ego, is a winning approach in sales, leadership, and life. Whether you want to stand out at your first job, build influence, or pivot to entrepreneurship, these lessons are practical and repeatable. We also explore how leadership is changing. It’s less about office hours and more about accountability, flexibility, and trust. Our guest shares how he’s built a culture focused on results, not presence. It’s a fresh look at leading modern teams, especially young professionals and remote workers. If you care about career growth, networking, startup strategy, or modern leadership, this episode gives you the mindset and tools to build something great.

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