Decidedly I Decision Tips for Business Owners

What if your childhood was a prison disguised as adventure?

In this gripping episode of Decidedly, Suzanne Heywood shares the shocking true story of growing up trapped on a sailboat for nearly a decade—with no friends, no school, and no way out. Her parents set off to “follow Captain Cook,” but what began as a three-year journey turned into a cult-like isolation across the oceans.

At just 16, Suzanne made a bold escape, taught hersel...

What if the key to better decisions, stronger relationships, and real leadership… isn’t having the right answers, but asking better questions?

In this episode of Decidedly, we sit down with Abigail Doust—coach, trainer, speaker, and lifelong student of communication—to unpack the underrated power of listening, how to navigate hard conversations, and why most people are asking the wrong questions in business and in life.

From her back...

What does a 500-mile trek through Spain, a rain-soaked trail in Scotland, and a solo summit in Colorado have to do with building a meaningful life or business?

In this episode, we share the unexpected lessons learned from long-distance hikes, Ironman races, and conversations on the trail — and how they mirror the journey of entrepreneurship, leadership, and self-discovery.

From the spiritual silence of the Camino de Santiago to the m...

Are your business decisions driven by instinct, or by strategy? How often do you actually stop to tell the difference?

Matthew Confer, the mind behind decision-making simulations used by leading companies, reveals why your gut might betray you, what most leaders get wrong under pressure, and how to sharpen your instincts for critical decisions.

KEY TOPICS

• The bold move leaders can make to avoid catastrophic mistakes before th...

What if the real reason your team can’t get along... is you?

In this mind-shifting episode, international best-selling author and human behavior expert Thomas Erikson (yes, the guy behind Surrounded by Idiots) joins Decidedly to decode how understanding personality types can transform your business, relationships, and leadership style.

Using the DISC model—Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue—Thomas explains why some people drive you crazy, ...

What if the most important medical information was hiding in plain sight?

In this eye-opening replay of Ep. 166, we sit down with Alexandra, the powerhouse behind @justtheinserts, to uncover what pharmaceutical companies and government agencies actually disclose—if you know where to look. From vaccine inserts and adverse reaction data to the legal loopholes that protect drug manufacturers, this conversation digs deep into the fine p...

Ever feel like you're spinning your wheels, stuck in the same place despite your efforts? In this episode, hosts Shawn and Sanger delve into the practical strategies to help you break free from life's ruts and reignite your momentum. 

Drawing from their extensive experience in decision-making and personal development, they introduce the "5 Levers of Change": Systems, Goals, Habits, Relationships, and Beliefs. Throu...

What’s the real point of your business — and your life?

In this mind-opening conversation, scholar and cultural commentator Spencer Klavan joins host Sanger Smith to explore one of the most overlooked foundations in entrepreneurship: God.

Spencer, associate editor of the Claremont Review of Books and host of Young Heretics, draws from ancient philosophy, Western civilization, and his own theological lens to examine what happens when ...

What makes a customer feel like they matter? 

In this powerhouse conversation, bestselling author and world-renowned customer experience consultant Dr. Joseph Michelli joins us to unpack the magic behind some of the most beloved brands in the world — from Ritz Carlton and Starbucks to Zappos, Mercedes-Benz, and more. 

Whether you're a business owner, team leader, or someone obsessed with elevating your client journey — this episode i...

In this episode of the Decidedly podcast, hosts Sanger Smith and Shawn Smith engage in a lively discussion with guest Whitney Uland, a multifaceted entrepreneur, filmmaker, and expert in intentional living.

Whitney shares her insights on harnessing 'celebrity energy' to empower entrepreneurs to build successful personal brands. Through her unique perspective, Whitney explores the psychological barriers holding people back from achi...

What would happen if you did a gratitude practice before opening each meeting? Are mindfulness practices a fluffy waste of time? Michael O’Brien suffered a personal tragedy that caused him to reset how he thinks about his beliefs, and how he utilizes his energy in daily life. Today, he shares the power of recognizing that everything in life is neutral until we label it…and how the labels we choose shape our perceptions.KEY TOPICS- ...

What happens when you stop playing by the rules and start asking better questions? Where’s the line between healthy dissent and chaos — and why do the best leaders welcome a little pushback?

Psychologist and researcher Dr. Todd Kashdan joins us to make the case for principled insubordination — and why compliance culture kills innovation. We’re breaking down how to lead curious teams, challenge bad ideas without blowing things u...

Have you wondered if the education system is actually preparing the next generation to lead? Do you question whether *real* learning happens within the confines of a classroom? What if the very foundation of how we’ve been taught to think is broken?

Matt Beaudreau is on a mission to rebuild the way we raise young people into impactful adults. Through his educational program, Apogee Strong, he’s empowering young people to break free ...

What do you do with fear that isn’t going away?

Akshay Nanavati has walked ahead of Humvees looking for bombs in Iraq, dragged a 400-pound sled across Antarctica, and spent ten days in complete darkness—all in pursuit of one thing: a better relationship with fear. In this episode, heand Sanger talk about the difference between fear and danger, how most of us distract ourselves to avoid stillness, and why “good vibes only” is bad adv...

Is it possible to become the man you never had as a role model?

Ryan Michler didn’t grow up with a blueprint for manhood—but that didn’t stop him from building one. He and Sanger talk about why so many men feel aimless and how stepping up—not faking it—is the way out. They talk about the appeal of distractions like sports and alcohol, the discomfort of starting from zero, and the kind of fulfillment that comes from actually doin...

How much of your time is actually yours?

Jamie Hopkins is back, and we’re breaking down what it takes to run a company without letting it run your life. He cuthis travel by 90%, began coaching his kids’ sports teams, and took on a bigger leadership role in business—all by making one critical decision.

We’re also talking about the kind of curiosity that makes or breaks leaders, how most CEOs sabotage themselves, andhow the best ones b...

Building a brand is about more than having a great product—it’s about getting people to believe in it.

Brian Smith, founder of UGG, knows this firsthand. What started as a niche surf product exploded into a globalphenomenon, but the real challenges came with scaling, staying ahead of competitors, and making the tough call to sell.

In this episode, Brian shares the behind-the-scenes realities of growing a brand, navigating financial ...

Everyone preaches discipline as the key to getting more done—but what if it’s actually slowing you down?

Craig Ballantyne coaches top entrepreneurs,and he argues that discipline alone won’t make you or your business productive.

In this episode, we’re breaking down why most business owners waste time on the wrong things, and how to structure your day for real progress.

If you’re working all day but still feel behind, this conversation ...

Confidence is essential in business, but unchecked overconfidence? That’s where things fall apart.

Don Moore, a leading expert on decision science, breaks down why most people—especially successful ones—tend to be too sure of themselves in areas they know little about. We dig into why business owners struggle to evaluate risk, why past wins can make you blind to future mistakes, and how probabilistic thinking can keep you from maki...