Most companies say they care about culture. Most even have “core values” written somewhere.But as Tzvi Schwartz, Expert EOS Implementer, points out in EP210 of Grow Through Positivity, culture is still one of the most misunderstood parts of business—and one of the most powerful.In this episode, we talk about why leaders often want to jump straight to numbers, goals, and scorecards, while overlooking the fact that those results are built on how people feel when they show up to work. If someone walks into the office anxious, disconnected, or like they don’t really belong, there’s no way they’re operating at 100%. Multiply that feeling across a whole team and it’s obvious why culture isn’t “soft” at all; it’s the engine behind performance.Tzvi uses a great story from a trip to Cancun to illustrate the idea of fit. For a week, he could “fake” fitting in—using a translation app, staying in English-speaking areas. But imagine being stuck there long term, not knowing the language, food, laws, or norms. Nothing about that situation makes you want to volunteer more, lean in, or give extra. Then, on a bus, he hears a familiar Brooklyn accent and suddenly there’s an easy, natural connection. Same person, totally different fit.That’s the heart of culture and core values: not “good vs. bad” people, but right fit vs. wrong fit.Drawing on Patrick Lencioni’s work, we also dig into three big tests for real core values:You don’t compromise them, even for star performers or family members.They’re not aspirations you wish you lived; they describe how you actually show up, especially under pressure.They’re not accidental habits (like dress code or shared background) that happen to be common in the company.Tzvi shares a tough story about a client who let go of his own brother from the company—not because his brother was a bad person or untalented, but because their values and default attitudes just didn’t match. That moment proved the values were real: they were willing to protect the culture even when it hurt.One line from the episode that leaders should sit with:“Your job is to select people, not to train them into your values.”If you tell the team, “Respect is a core value here,” but you show up late, check your phone in meetings, or talk behind people’s backs, the culture doesn’t just fail—it backfires. People stop believing anything you say.Simplest way to apply this in your company:Look at one value you claim to hold. Then ask yourself, “Where am I currently compromising this, and who would we keep or protect even though they don’t live it?” Whatever answer makes you uncomfortable is probably where your culture work needs to start.

Leadership can get lonely, especially when you’re carrying challenges that the people around you simply don’t understand.In this episode of Grow Through Positivity, I sat down with Jonathan Domsky, Business and Life Coach at Untangled Coaching, to talk about the power of peer-to-peer forums and why they matter so much, especially for leaders in the Jewish nonprofit space.Jonathan shared how forums have shaped his life for more than two decades, not just as an entrepreneur, but as a husband, father, coach, and human being. What stood out most is that a great forum is not about people telling you what to do. It’s about having a trusted space where you can be fully honest, speak without filters, and hear from others who have lived through similar situations.That’s what makes this so powerful. So many leaders are surrounded by people all day, yet still feel alone in the decisions they carry. A strong peer group changes that. It creates a space for real conversations, real perspective, and the kind of clarity that helps you move forward with more confidence.One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation was this: a great forum helps you find your blind spots. Sometimes the greatest value is not in solving the problem you already see, but in discovering what you didn’t even know you were missing.For nonprofit and business leaders alike, the simplest way to apply this is to ask yourself one honest question: do I have a space where I can talk openly about my real challenges with people who truly understand the weight of leadership? If not, that may be the next gap to solve.Jonathan is building something meaningful for Jewish nonprofit leaders, and I believe this kind of support is needed now more than ever.#GrowThroughPositivity #Leadership #PeerToPeer #JewishNonprofit #BusinessLeadership #Forum #Coaching #JonathanDomsky

Most owners are brave enough to start a business.Far fewer are brave enough to really look at their numbers.In this episode, Aryeh (Ari) Braun – Owner at Braun’s Accounting Inc shared why so many small and mid‑sized business owners avoid their finances, and what changes when they finally face them.Specialists beat generalists when it matters mostAri’s background is in bookkeeping and accounting, but he chose to focus his firm on tax preparation and year‑end filings for small and mid‑sized businesses (typically 1–6 employees). That allows him to go deeper into returns, strategy, and tax savings instead of trying to “do everything for everyone.”The real problem isn’t ignorance, it’s avoidanceMost owners could understand profit, cash flow, and margins, but they don’t take the time. Often it’s fear:Fear of discovering they’re not really making moneyFear of seeing the “leaks” in their businessSo they keep running, hoping it all works out, instead of pausing to look at their P&L and balance sheet.Clarity reduces anxiety, even if the news isn’t perfectAri sees over and over that once owners actually look at their numbers:They sleep better at night because they know where they standThey can see where the leak is and start fixing itConfusion is what keeps people up at night, not the reality itself.Your job is not just to file taxes; it’s to build a profitable businessAri’s 10‑year vision is to go beyond filing returns and act more like a CFO‑type advisor: helping business owners manage cash flow, understand profitability, and make better decisions during the year, not only at the end.This week, set aside 30–60 minutes and:Pull your latest profit and loss and balance sheet (even if they’re messy).Ask yourself three basic questions:Am I actually making money month to month?Where are my biggest expenses, and do they match my priorities?Is there any “leak” I already know about but haven’t addressed?If you feel stuck or overwhelmed, send these reports to your accountant and book a call with one clear agenda:“Help me understand if I’m truly profitable and where my leaks are.”The courage that got you into business is the same courage you need to look at your numbers.Key takeaways for business ownersSimplest way to apply this in your business

Most companies train skills for the job.Michael Seidenfeld – Speaker, Educator and Motivator at WurkFit – trains the people doing the job.He goes into organizations to build the “soul skills” that actually drive performance: communication, healthy conflict, and real management.A few sharp insights from our conversation:Communication is your biggest hidden cost.“Not everything that was said was heard, and not everything that was heard was said.” That gap quietly destroys productivity, profit, and morale.You need healthy conflict, not fake peace.Avoiding hard conversations or exploding in frustration are both costly. The goal is honest, assertive, respectful dialogue – including speaking up to unclear or indecisive leaders.Being great at the work ≠ being great at managing people.Many long-time employees are promoted without any people-skills training. That’s a risk you can fix.Simple step this month:Pick one real situation you’ve been avoiding and have the conversation – calmly, clearly, and respectfully. If your team can’t talk about issues, they can’t fix them.#Leadership #SoftSkills #Communication #HealthyConflict #Management #Culture #WurkFit #GrowthThroughPositivity

Most construction projects focus on what’s being built.Shloimy Taussig, CEO of Park Environmental, focuses on what might be hidden in the walls — and how to give everyone involved clarity instead of confusion.He shared a few powerful lessons that apply to any growing business:Lead with clarity. His tagline “where environment meets clarity” is how he operates: be the person clients can call when they’re lost, even if they’re not yet customers.Document your process early. As a new CEO wearing both operations and sales hats, his biggest insight is the value of a simple SOP — from intake email to final report — so future hires have something concrete to follow.Don’t be afraid to make the call. A big breakthrough for him was simply picking up the phone to call contractors and partners instead of overthinking it. Most doors open when you actually reach out.Go deeper, not wider. Instead of adding every possible environmental service, he’s focused on becoming excellent in asbestos inspections and ACP5 turnarounds, especially for facade work, boilers, and renovations in NYC.One practical question for your week:What’s one process you can write down today so the next person doesn’t have to pull it out of your head?#Leadership #SmallBusiness #CEOJourney #Operations #SOP #SalesMindset #Construction #RealEstate #AsbestosInspection #GrowthThroughPositivity

Most websites quietly say, “Here we are.”Eli Basch, Founder & Creative Director at Day3 Media, builds brands and sites that say, “Here’s why we’re the only choice.”He shared how he helps companies use branding, storytelling, and websites as strategic sales tools — not just digital brochures:A construction firm came to him for a website only because banks and towns approve financing and permits faster when the developer looks established online. The site was built to open doors, not just “look nice.”Eli treats every page like a sales conversation: design and copy must clarify value, build trust, and move people to action — just like a top salesperson would.Day3’s niche isn’t an industry; it’s positioning clients as industry leaders so they stop being “one more option” and start being the obvious choice.His core belief: if you want a serious marketing firm, you must first become a serious salesperson. Going from $3k logos to $20k+ brand projects demanded better discovery, clearer ROI, and investing in mentors who sharpened his sales game.Simplest way to apply this in your business:Before you touch your website, answer one question:“What specific business problem should this site help us solve (approvals, bigger accounts, better leads, recruiting)?”If your homepage isn’t clearly selling that outcome, it’s just talking.

Not every win in business is about getting bigger.Sometimes the real win is using every half inch of what you already have.In my conversation with Berish (Beres) Laufer – CEO & Interior Designer at Half Inch Scale Inc, he shared how he built a boutique space-planning firm that focuses on maximum usability, practicality, and flow in homes, schools, offices, and beyond.Key takeaways for business owners and buildersSpace planning is not “nice to have” – it’s an advocacy role.Berish doesn’t just draw; he acts as the client’s advocate, making sure every room, wall, closet, and corridor actually supports the way the family or business wants to live and work. He bridges the gap between architect and designer so the final plan is both beautiful and practical.Specialization creates trust (and repeat work).He started with kitchens (hence the name “Half Inch Scale”) and got pulled into full houses, schools, doctor’s offices, and Batei Medrash because clients and builders saw how he used every half inch of space. Do one thing exceptionally well and clients will invite you into bigger, more complex projects.Bigger isn’t always better – fulfillment matters.After running a large operation with trucks, staff, and huge overhead, Berish intentionally chose to build a small, in‑house boutique firm. A fellow designer reminded him: if you’re making a living, are satisfied, and not “working for your employees,” staying small can be a conscious, successful strategy – not a failure.Simplest way to apply this in your businessWhether you’re in design, construction, or any service business:Clarify your role as the client’s advocate.Before the next project starts, ask your client:“How do you want this space (or system) to feel and function in daily life?”Use that answer to drive every layout, decision, and trade‑off.Audit one existing project for “wasted space” or effort.Look at a current or recent job and ask:Where are people walking too far, storing things awkwardly, or constantly “working around” the layout?What’s the equivalent of “making magic to make it fit” that you could avoid next time with better planning?Decide what “enough” looks like for you.Instead of chasing headcount and trucks, define your own success:income, schedule, type of projects, and personal energy.Build around that, even if it means staying intentionally small and boutique.Where in your work are you still measuring success by size instead of by how well you use what you already have?

Most business owners know how to work hard.Far fewer know how to turn that hard work into healthy, predictable cash flow.In my conversation with Avi Pinsky – “Business Finance Doctor” at Pinsky Consulting, he shared how he helps owners move from overwhelmed and reactive to financially clear and intentional.Your bookkeeper and accountant mostly tell you what happened in the past; you also need someone focused on what should happen next (forecasting, cash flow, and strategy).Your financials are not just for taxes – they’re a story about which parts of your business are healthy, which are draining you, and where your real profit comes from.Many owners are working hard on low‑margin or losing services, or giving “interest‑free loans” through slow collections and loose receivables.When you lose sight of your long‑term vision, you start living in fire‑drills; reconnecting the numbers to that vision is often the first step back to health.Before you hire a “finance doctor,” do these three things:Once a month, sit down with your financials (P&L, balance sheet, receivables) and ask:“Which product/service is actually most profitable?”“Who owes us money, and for how long?”Pick one change for the next 30 days:Tighten payment terms,Pause or reprice a low‑margin offer,Or test a more scalable/group version of a 1:1 service.Write down one personal goal your business should fund (family lifestyle, side project, relocation) and keep it visible when you look at your numbers. If your business isn’t moving you toward that, something has to change.Where in your business do you feel like you’re “working for the business” instead of the business working for you?Key takeaways for business ownersSimplest way to implement this in your business

Most leaders talk about “right people, right seats.”Jonathan Reynolds (CEO & Visionary at Titus, author of Right Seats, Right People) flips it on purpose: start with the seat first.In our conversation, he shared why so many hiring issues are actually role clarity issues:Leaders jump to resumes and interviews without being able to answer a basic question: “What must this role actually achieve to be worth the salary?”Until you define 3–5 clear, measurable outcomes for the seat, you’re guessing on who to hire and how to judge success.Success isn’t “butts in seats on day one” – it’s whether that person is delivering 100% of the role by their one‑year anniversary, which is how Titus measures quality of hire.Titus has built a whole talent strategy firm around this idea, partnering especially with EOS‑run small and mid‑sized businesses to own everything “people”: hiring, engagement, development, and retention.Simplest way to apply this in your business before your next hire:Write down 3–5 specific outcomes that would prove this role is a home run by their 12‑month mark (revenue, projects shipped, processes built, KPIs improved).Sense‑check: If I’m paying full compensation, am I truly willing to pay it for exactly these outcomes? Adjust until the answer is yes.Use those outcomes everywhere – in the job post, interview questions, onboarding plan, and one‑year review. If you can’t describe “winning” clearly, you’re not ready to hire yet.Where in your current team do you have a person you like in a seat you’ve never actually defined?#Leadership #Hiring #RightSeatsRightPeople #TalentStrategy #PeopleOps #EOS #SMB #BusinessGrowth #Recruiting #GrowthThroughPositivity

Most business owners obsess over making money.Far fewer focus on building a business that can keep it and run smoothly without them.In my conversation with Joseph Frasko (Principal, Aurora Capital Group), he shared how 30+ years in finance, M&A, and private equity have shaped the way he looks at any company — through the eyes of a future buyer, even if the owner never plans to sell.Here are a few key ideas that stuck with me:Being “exit‑ready” is just good business. Clean financials, documented processes, and the right people in the right seats help you operate better today and make the business more attractive tomorrow.Value isn’t just about profit; it’s about transferability. The less the company depends on you, one key employee, or a single supplier, the higher the multiple someone is willing to pay for it.You can actually grow into bankruptcy if you chase sales without understanding cash flow, margins, and capacity — sales go up, but cash gets tighter and stress skyrockets.Joseph’s lens is simple but powerful:Run your business as if a serious buyer could walk in any day and ask, “Can this company run and grow without you?”Simplest way to apply this in your business:Once a month, block out an “owner hour” and ask yourself:If I had to sell tomorrow, what would scare a buyer most — my numbers, my systems, or my dependencies?Where are we relying on one person, product, or relationship to keep things afloat?Turn each answer into a small, concrete fix: tighten reporting, document one process, or reduce a single point of failure.If a buyer looked under the hood of your business today, what’s the first thing you’d want to clean up?

Mike Merkur teaches them to jump, sing, click, build – and learn faster because of it.Mike is a programmer, educator, and the creator of World Mini Music, combining code, color, music, and Montessori to make learning unforgettable for kids and adults alike. Instead of black‑and‑white worksheets, he shows up with Lego, props, and crazy charts so kids learn with their heads, hearts, and hands.What really stood out to me is how his “chaos” turned into systems and IP. To avoid repeating lessons and keep demanding students engaged, he built a color‑coded, indexed database of stories and lessons – which evolved into software, patents, and tools he can now license to bigger companies.The takeaway for any business:If you’re constantly reinventing the wheel, document it once and turn it into a repeatable system – a checklist, template, or simple database – and let that asset work for you again and again.Where in your business could you make learning more playful and hands‑on, and turn your best “crazy” ideas into systems that scale?

Who actually gives you “peace of mind” on a project?Most owners assume it’s the architect or GC. Listening to Faigy Chaskelson, CEO of Styles Design Interiors, you realize it’s the partner who owns the whole journey: from design… to procurement… to install… to “we swept the floor; you can walk in and work.”Peace of mind as a business modelFaigy only adopted “peace of mind” after hearing the same pain on projects:“I practically left my job just to manage this construction.”So Styles Design stepped in to own the full scope: detailed construction sets, procurement, warehousing, installation, and final walkthroughs — not “just design.”Try this in your business:Ask 3–5 clients: “What was hardest about this project before you hired us?”Turn their emotional language (stress, overwhelm, chaos) into a clear promise you design your service around.Systems, not heroicsFaigy’s two pieces of advice for anyone starting or scaling a business:Be radically open to learning and change.Build real systems and processes so the business doesn’t depend on you firefighting every detail.Simple implementation:Pick one recurring process (like onboarding or project kickoff) and write the step‑by‑step once. Use it on the next three clients before you “optimize” anything else.Faigy’s long‑term goal? Build a company she can “exit without exiting” — able to live in Israel while the business runs on systems, not her daily presence.Where in your business do you feel most like that office manager in Lakewood — “I practically left my job just to manage this project”?

Welcome to Growth Through Positivity! In this episode, we sit down with Ira Zlotowitz, founder of GPARENCY, to discuss how transparency, technology, and AI are reshaping the commercial real estate industry.Ira shares the story behind GPARENCY, a membership-based commercial mortgage brokerage designed to give investors equitable access to data, financing, and expert guidance. From solving deal-tracking challenges with a map-based platform to integrating AI for smarter banking insights — this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways for entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders.✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️ How AI is changing commercial real estate✔️ Why transparency is the future of brokerage✔️ The biggest challenge GPARENCY faced — and how they overcame it✔️ What investors should do before purchasing a property✔️ The core values Ira looks for when building his team✔️ How the right messaging can transform a businessWhether you're new to real estate or an experienced investor, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to grow.#CommercialRealEstate #AI #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #RealEstateInvesting #Leadership #PropTech #Podcast #DigitalTransformation #GrowThroughPositivity #Innovation #Startup #BusinessPodcast #SuccessMindset #Technology

In this episode of Grow Through Positivity, Elie sits down with EOS Implementer Tzvi Schwartz to break down one of the most misunderstood aspects of business: culture.Most companies talk about culture.Very few build it intentionally.We dive into:The difference between intentional culture vs. accidental cultureWhy culture is NOT “ping pong tables and coffee machines”How core values drive performance and profitabilityPatrick Lencioni’s 3 filters for pressure-testing your core valuesWhy you must be willing to NOT compromise your values (even with family)The difference between aspirational values and real valuesWhy hiring is about selection, not trainingIf you're a business owner, CEO, or leadership team member trying to build a high-performing organization, this conversation will challenge how you think about culture.Because here’s the truth:👉 You don’t get results first.👉 You get culture first.👉 Results follow.

In this episode of Growth Through Positivity, Ellie sits down with Ricky Blau, founder of GCNY Marketing, to discuss what it really takes to grow a brand with clarity, creativity, and strategy.Ricky shares:How she transitioned from studying for law school to building a 25+ year marketing careerWhat makes a client truly ready for growthThe difference between a dream and a measurable visionWhy company culture and core values drive real resultsHow AI and technology are shaping the future of marketingIf you're a business owner, visionary, or operator looking to take your company to the next level — this conversation will give you clarity and direction.At Growth Through Positivity, we believe success starts with mindset — and grows through action. 📌 Connect With UsFollow for more conversations on business growth and leadership:YouTube: @Elieg.inandongroupYouTube: @GrowthThroughPositivityConnect with Ellie on LinkedIn for guest opportunities and collaborations.

In this episode of Growth Through Positivity, Ellie sits down with Shaya Adler, founder of Eagle Production Company and Eagle AV Rental, to explore how passion, focus, and vision can turn a small start-up into a thriving national business.Shaya shares:How a single speaker in his parents’ garage grew into a production company with nearly 40 team membersHis target audience and how Eagle Production serves events from high-end weddings to corporate conferencesThe lessons learned about finances, people, and business expansionHow staying “in your lane” and following your passion can open new opportunities, like Eagle AV RentalTips for business owners on culture, communication, and retaining top talentWhether you’re a visionary entrepreneur, a CEO, or someone looking to scale your business, this conversation provides insight, inspiration, and actionable advice to help you grow.

In this episode of Growth Through Positivity, we sit down with Binet, Executive Director of ICA, to talk about career transformation, purpose-driven education, and what it truly takes to succeed in today’s professional world.Binet shares his personal journey—from coaching individuals into degree programs to building a career-focused school that helps students find the right path through commitment, perseverance, and passion. We discuss the challenges of traditional education, the importance of aligning skills with values, and how ICA supports students through certificate and degree programs in fields such as IT, interior design, and special education.If you’re unsure about your career path, considering a transition, or looking for an education model that focuses on real-world success, this conversation offers valuable insights.🎯 Topics covered:• Finding your passion and allowing yourself to explore • Career transitions after traditional education paths • Commitment, perseverance, and long-term success • What ICA looks for in students and educators • Building a mission-driven organization 📌 Learn more about ICA:Website: ininstitute.com Phone: 718-506-0912 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to help us spread positivity and growth.#GrowthThroughPositivity #CareerGrowth #Education #Leadership #PurposeDriven #Podcast

What if the secret to extraordinary growth isn’t multitasking…but immersion?In this powerful episode of Growth Through Positivity, Ellie sits down with Rabbi, author, speaker, and leadership coach Shmuel Reichman to explore the mindset behind high performance, clarity of mission, and purpose-driven leadership.Shmuel shares:• Why he believes the purpose of life is to search for your purpose• The immersive learning strategy that accelerated his growth• How to build skills at an elite level in weeks — not decades• The difference between coaching, consulting, mentoring, and therapy• Why financial independence fuels meaningful impact• His 50-year vision for global, mission-driven leadershipWith academic experience spanning institutions like New York University, Harvard University, and University of Chicago, Shmuel brings intellectual rigor together with Torah-based depth and practical leadership tools.If you are a CEO, founder, speaker, or growth-oriented leader — this episode will challenge you to rethink how you learn, lead, and live.🎯 Who This Episode Is For• Entrepreneurs seeking clarity and mission• CEOs and high performers ready to scale impact• Jewish leaders, educators, and speakers• Anyone committed to becoming their highest potential🔔 Connect with ShmuelLinkedIn: Shmuel ReichmanCoaching & Leadership Programs available via direct outreach📌 Follow & SubscribeSubscribe for more conversations on leadership, mindset, and business growth.Follow Ellie for future episodes and guest opportunities.

Are leaders born… or made?In this episode of Growth Through Positivity, we sit down with Toby Goldstein, CEO of Bite Size Workshops and Coaching, to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in business:👉 The real difference between leadership and management.Toby shares powerful insights on:• Why leadership is NOT about your title• The difference between leading people and managing work• Why only 10% of people are “born leaders”• How communication is the glue behind accountability• How to grow from manager to true leader• Why vision is essential for engagement• The book that shifts leadership perspectiveOne of the most powerful takeaways?Leadership is earned — not given.And every single person has the ability to become one.If you’re a business owner, executive, manager, or aspiring leader — this conversation will challenge the way you think about growth.📚 Book MentionedLeadership and Self-Deception – A mindset-shifting perspective on leadership and self-awareness.Referenced in conversation:The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy🎯 Who This Episode Is For• C-suite leaders• Managers transitioning into leadership• Business owners scaling teams• Anyone wanting to improve communication and accountability🔗 Connect with TobyWebsite: GoBiteSize.comFind her on LinkedIn for leadership insights and workshops.💬 Key Quote From This Episode“You don’t become a leader because of your position. You become a leader because people choose to follow you.”🚀 Call To ActionIf this episode challenged your thinking,👍 Like💬 Comment your biggest leadership takeaway🔁 Share with a leader who needs to hear thisBecause growth doesn’t happen by accident.It happens intentionally.

What does real CEO discipline look like?In Episode 105 on Growth Through Positivity, we sit down with Meny Hoffman, CEO of PTEXS Group and host of the Let's Talk Business Podcast, to talk about focus, structure, and the realities of entrepreneurial leadership.This episode dives into:• Working on the business vs in the business• Why discipline and focus separate good CEOs from overwhelmed ones• The power of “Green Zones” for deep work• Priorities vs Tasks vs To-Dos• Must-Do lists vs Feel-Good To-Dos• The importance of structured flexibility• Taking a fully disconnected vacation as a business owner• Why no real leader ever “has it all figured out”Meny shares how he structures his calendar, buckets projects into priorities, and ensures that CEO-level responsibilities don’t get buried in day-to-day noise.One of the biggest takeaways?If the CEO is stuck in the nitty-gritty…No one is steering the ship.📚 Book MentionedPurple Cow by Seth Godin – A classic on standing out in marketing and building remarkable brands.🔥 Key Quote From This Episode“If you are busy in the weeds, nobody else will do the job of the CEO for you.”🎯 Who This Episode Is For• Entrepreneurs• CEOs• Founders scaling a team• Leaders struggling with focus• Anyone who wants more clarity and structure💬 Connect with MannyLinkedIn: Meny HoffmanWebsite: ptexsgroup.com🚀 Call To ActionIf this episode helped you rethink your focus and priorities:👍 Like💬 Comment your biggest takeaway🔁 Share with a fellow entrepreneurBecause leadership isn’t about being busy.It’s about being intentional.

After 18+ years in sales and business development – including a successful career at Culinary Depot – I walked away from the income, the reputation, and the “safe” path to start a new venture at 42. In this interview at the OJBA event with the incredible Nesanel Gantz, I share how I went from seeing myself as “not a risk‑taker” to building the muscle of taking real risks and launching In&On.We talk about:Why I left a stable, long-term sales career to start overThe difference between EOS-style frameworks and hands‑on implementationHow In‑N‑On comes in to the business and works on the businessOur project‑based approach: Vision → Strategy → Plan → Execution → ResultsThe role my partner, David Potash, plays in systems and executionA real turnaround story with Macro Laundry and what consistent support looks likeWhy many entrepreneurs get stuck “in the weeds” and need someone to pull them outIf you’re a growth‑minded entrepreneur or leader who’s been telling yourself you’re “not a risk‑taker,” this conversation is for you. It’s not about changing who you are – it’s about building the implementation muscle, one real project at a time.Special thanks to OJBA, Mr. Weber, and Nesanel Gantz for the platform and the opportunity to share this journey.👉 If you’re ready to move from ideas to execution and want someone to get in the trenches with you, let’s connect.

When should a business hire a CFO?And what exactly is a fractional CFO?In this episode of Growth Through Positivity, I sit down with Gershon, Founder of Imperial Advisory, a growing fractional CFO and financial consulting firm.We dive into:• What a fractional CFO actually does• Why growing businesses need forecasting & budgeting• The difference between Accounting vs FP&A• When a $50M company still needs financial planning support• How to build a consulting firm from scratch• The culture behind scaling a professional services firm• Why “Help First” is a real business strategyGershon shares his journey from the bond world to launching his own advisory firm — taking the leap into entrepreneurship and building a team of CFOs.🔎 What Is a Fractional CFO?A fractional CFO is:✔ A highly experienced Chief Financial Officer✔ Working part-time instead of full-time✔ Cost-effective for growing companies✔ Focused on strategy, forecasting, and financial clarityYou get top-tier financial leadership — without the full-time executive cost.💡 Key Insights from This Episode✔ Financial clarity creates business clarity✔ Even companies with CFOs often lack FP&A support✔ Forecasting turns vision into measurable action✔ Growth requires structure✔ Culture matters more than skillGershon’s core values:• Help First• Honesty• Respect for Life & Family📚 Book MentionedNever Split the Difference by Chris VossA must-read for CEOs, negotiators, and leaders who want to master human psychology and communication.🎯 Who This Episode Is For• Business owners scaling past startup phase• CEOs without financial clarity• Companies between $5M–$50M in revenue• CFOs who need FP&A support• Finance leaders looking to join a growing platform🚀 Connect with GershonIf you're looking for a fractional CFO or financial planning support, reach out to Gershon and the team at Imperial Advisory.💬 Memorable Quote“You don’t need less quality — you just might not need 40 hours a week.”👍 Call To ActionIf this episode helped you rethink financial leadership:LikeComment your biggest takeawayShare with a CEO who needs financial clarityLet’s grow through positivity.

📝 YouTube DescriptionWhat if your first job wasn’t a job…but your free college?In this off-script and powerful episode of Growth Through Positivity, Elie sits down with Pincus Schiff, Co-Founder & CMO of Friday.Instead of talking product, they dive into:• The difference between paycheck employees and passionate employees• Why “heart” is the real competitive advantage• How to turn 5 years into 25 years of experience• When to hire a coach (and how to choose the right one)• Why perspective beats shortcuts• The power of involvement in every area of a companyPincus shares how he went from sales to co-founding a company within just four years — and the mindset that made that leap possible.🔥 Key Takeaways✔ Your job is your training ground✔ Experience is about ownership, not time✔ Growth requires doing things outside your comfort zone✔ Coaching accelerates performance✔ Ambition + humility = opportunityPowerful quote from this episode:“Don’t look at your job as a paycheck. Look at it as your free college.”📚 Books Mentioned• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki• Traction by Gino Wickman🎯 This Episode Is For• Young professionals starting their careers• Salespeople looking to level up• Aspiring entrepreneurs• Anyone who feels stuck in “just a job”🚀 Connect with PincusVisit FridayApp.comOr connect with him directly on LinkedIn👍 Call To ActionIf this conversation inspired you:LikeComment your biggest takeawayShare with someone early in their careerLet’s grow through positivity.

What happens when passion meets purpose — and you choose impact over fast scaling?In this episode of Growth Through Positivity, Ellie sits down with Bentzi Elkouby , owner of Fluentalk, to discuss building a language enhancement company with a 97% success rate and over 3,500 clients served.Bentzi shares:• How he “fell into” the business and later bought it out• Why Fluentalk focuses on executives and corporate professionals• The danger of scaling too fast at the expense of quality• Why they accept only 1% of teacher applicants• How language mastery can transform careers and confidence• The vision to become an international brandFluentalk isn’t about quick fixes.It’s about empowering serious professionals to master English for real business impact.If you’re a business owner, executive, or corporate professional who feels the daily strain of operating in a second language — this episode is for you.🎯 Who This Episode Is For• Executives operating in English as a second language• Business owners looking to sharpen communication• Companies investing in employee development• Leaders who believe in long-term mastery over shortcuts📞 Connect with BenziCompany: FluentalkPhone / WhatsApp: 845-836-2355Email: [email protected] out directly via LinkedIn to explore programs.

What if you weren’t selling a product……but a feeling?In this meaningful episode of Growth Through Positivity, Elie sits down with Eli Weber, founder of Weber Media, to talk about entrepreneurship, vision, and building businesses rooted in positivity.This episode is dedicated in honor of Michal — a soul whose life represented positivity.We dive into:• Building multiple businesses under one personal brand• Why passion beats chasing money• The compound effect of entrepreneurship• Turning a simple mug into an emotional experience• Why 5–10 minutes a day can change your future• Dream vs Vision — and how to execute both• Selling emotion instead of productEli shares his upcoming launch of webermugs.com — a brand built on one powerful idea:“We sell a feeling, not a mug.”🔥 Key Takeaways✔ Entrepreneurship gets easier after the first win✔ Focus creates momentum✔ Small daily action builds massive results✔ You can ride many horses — just not at the same time✔ Self-love is the foundation of growthOne powerful insight:Commit 5–10 minutes a day toward your dream — and watch it become reality.📚 Books Mentioned• You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero• Letting Go by David R. Hawkins🎯 This Episode Is For• Entrepreneurs building personal brands• Anyone launching a product• Creators who want to monetize meaning• People who believe business can spread positivity🚀 Connect with Eli WeberWebsite: WeberMediaNJ.comFollow him on LinkedIn & InstagramWatch the Weber Podcast👍 Call To ActionIf this episode inspired you:LikeComment your biggest takeawayShare with an entrepreneur who needs encouragementLet’s grow through positivity.

In this episode of Grow Through Positivity, Eli sits down with David Korn, founder of Clover Consulting, to talk about what most business owners get wrong about finance.David shares how his company goes far beyond traditional bookkeeping — offering full-service financial management for small and mid-sized businesses.We discuss:• Who David’s ideal clients are (from $500K–$15M in revenue)• Why strong sales & operations still fail without strong finance• The real reason businesses struggle with collections• The importance of clear invoicing and cash flow management• Forecasting, budgeting & preparing for loans before it’s too late• Building industry-specific financial teams• Core values: Integrity, Client-Focused, Mission-DrivenIf you're a business owner who wants peace of mind knowing your finances are handled professionally — this episode is for you.📞 Contact David KornPhone: 845-274-1611 (WhatsApp preferred)Email: [email protected] you'd like to be a guest on Grow Through Positivity, send us a message on LinkedIn.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs who are building with purpose.

In this raw and real episode of Grow Through Positivity, Elie sits down with Malya Feivelson (known as The Malya Cam) — media entrepreneur, LinkedIn branding expert, podcast host, and moderator.This is not a polished studio interview.This is honest.This is vulnerable.This is growth.Malia shares:• How she went from crying in her room, unsure how to make money• The moment she realized she was the product• Why she worked for free before charging• How she built over 55 clients from scratch• The power of sticking with something when no one sees the work• Why consistency beats talent• How LinkedIn changed her career• The mindset behind “Live, Don’t Just Exist”We also dive into:• Hustle vs. burnout• Vulnerability in entrepreneurship• Staying laser focused instead of chasing every platform• The importance of clarity breaks (walks, reflection, prayer)• And the book that changed her lifeIf you are building something…If people don’t see your effort yet…If you’re in the “before” stage of success…This episode is for you.

Do you start with a dream…or with responsibility?In this powerful episode of Growth Through Positivity, Elie sits down with Shlomo Friedman of Imperial Real Estate to discuss the real journey of building a career from the ground up.Shlomo shares how he entered real estate in 2006 — during the market crash — not with vision or passion, but with one goal:To feed his family.From survival mode to leadership, this conversation explores what growth actually looks like.🔥 What We Discuss• Why “follow your passion” can be misleading advice• Maslow’s hierarchy and starting with survival• Building skills before finding purpose• Recognizing unrealized potential in others• The power of aligning core values• Leadership through vulnerability• The importance of self-awareness and daily reflection• The impact of disconnecting weekly (Shabbos mindset)💡 Powerful TakeawayYou don’t start with clarity.You start with responsibility.Clarity comes after you elevate your skills.And growth begins with self-work.Without self-awareness, success is impossible.📚 Concepts Mentioned• Maslow's hierarchy of needs• Traction• Gino Wickman🎯 This Episode Is For• Young professionals unsure of their career path• Entrepreneurs in survival mode• Leaders building teams• Anyone seeking real, grounded growth🙌 Connect with Shlomo FriedmanReach out via LinkedIn (please respect response time)👍 Call To ActionIf this episode gave you clarity:LikeComment your biggest insightShare with someone navigating their careerLet’s grow through positivity.

In his episode of Grow Through Positivity, Elie sits down with C.A. Green — video producer, storyteller, and founder of Behind the Beard Media — to unpack the 3-second intuition framework that guided his biggest life and career pivots.This is not just a journey from film sets to faith. This is a masterclass in listening to your gut when everything logical says “play it safe.”C.A. shares:- How he went from the Hollywood grind to feeling completely burned out - The unexpected trip to Israel that reshaped his identity and purpose - The surreal tefillin-and-butterfly moment that cracked something wide open inside him - Why he left the film industry, became “Rabbi Green,” and then came back to producing - How a film reel tattoo kept reminding him who he really was - The decision to pivot from big $15K narrative videos to short-form social content his clients actually needed We also dive into David Hochberg’s definition of intuition — calm, clear, lightning fast (3–5 seconds) — and how C.A. uses it in real decisions:- The difference between intuition and emotion (and why most people confuse them) - How to separate the first instant “yes/no” from the noise that comes after - Practical ways founders and leaders can use intuition in hiring, pricing, and pivoting - Why aligning your work with your identity matters more than following your original resume If you’ve been:- Overthinking a big decision - Ignoring that quiet voice that already knows the answer - Or stuck between who you are and what you do for a living…This episode is for you.Tune in to Episode 190 to learn how to trust your gut, honor your story, and make decisions that are aligned — not just logical.

Most businesses don’t die from lack of opportunity. They die from lack of focus, clarity, and the courage to do less on purpose.That’s what hit me in my conversation with Malka Frankel, CEO of Better Co Marketing, who’s been quietly helping healthcare organizations grow for over 20 years.She didn’t just “pick a niche” because a marketing book said so. She watched her nursing home and assisted living clients grow 300–400% using her materials… and then asked herself a hard question:“If this is where our work is creating the biggest impact, why am I spreading my team across everything and everyone?”That one question changed the trajectory of her business.She went all‑in on healthcare. She started saying “no” more often. And she stopped trying to be the agency for everyone.Then she did something most owners talk about, but rarely commit to: she built the entire company around human energy, not just output.- New clients are onboarded by quarter, not randomly. Every 90 days is a reset: What did we learn? What’s working? What needs to change? - The agency runs on a four‑day workweek. Monday–Thursday is full intensity; Friday is for life. And they still get more done in four days than many teams do in five, because there’s no room for fluff, drama, or busywork. - The mantra on the wall says it all: Less is more. And they actually run the business that way.It doesn’t stop at internal operations.In healthcare, branding is not about being “pretty.” It’s about being chosen when it matters most.Picture this: A family is told, “Mom is going to a nursing home in 24 hours. Here are three options.” They’re handed three brochures. They check three websites.If yours looks generic, outdated, and unclear, you’re done. You might be the best clinical choice – but you’ll never get the chance to prove it.Malki’s approach is simple and ruthless:- If your website doesn’t instantly tell the right story to the right audience, fix that first. - If your materials are full of jargon and fluff, you’re not “sounding professional” – you’re losing attention. - If you haven’t clearly identified what makes you **different** from the facility down the block, you’re inviting commoditization.Her line that stuck with me: “Messaging is king. Design is there to make sure the message is heard.”So here’s the real invitation from this conversation:- What would happen if you *stopped* trying to serve everyone and went all‑in on the clients where your work actually moves the needle? - What if you structured your year in 90‑day cycles and asked, every quarter, “What can we simplify or cut?” - What if your brand finally matched the level of care you deliver?Because in a world with an eight‑second attention span, the market doesn’t reward complexity. It rewards clarity, courage, and consistency.If a stranger landed on your website right now, would they feel, “These are my people” – or “Just another option”?#BrandStrategy #HealthcareMarketing #Leadership #LessIsMore #Focus #Storytelling #BusinessGrowth

In this powerful episode of Grow Through Positivity, Elie sits down with Moishy Klein — founder of Klyne & Co, systems strategist, and trusted partner to growing businesses that feel stuck in chaos. This is not a theory talk. This is practical. This is honest. This is what it really takes to build a scalable company. Moishy shares: How he realized “more people” wasn’t the answer — better systems were The moment he saw that every business already has systems… just unintentional ones Why founders get stuck in constant firefighting and how to break that cycle The simple way to go from verbal delegation to real documented processes How to think about tools like Monday, ClickUp, Salesforce, or Zoho the right way The three-step framework: Define → Document → Delegate Why clarity beats “more software” every single time What it looks like when a business can run without the owner in every decision We also dive into: The four core systems every growing business needs (and what to start with) How to get a team to actually adopt new tools and processes The mindset shift from “I’ll just do it myself” to “I’ll build it so others can do it” Why documenting once can save you hundreds of interruptions a year Practical examples of using Loom, Scribe, and training hubs to onboard faster If you’re scaling a business… If your team keeps asking you the same questions… If you feel like everything depends on you… This episode is for you.

In this episode of Grow Through Positivity, Elie sits down with Barry (Chanaya) Glick — a “business physical therapist” who helps leaders fix what’s really broken beneath the surface: the intersection of culture, systems, and customer relationships.This isn’t a fluffy culture conversation. This is where processes, people, and profit actually meet.Barry shares:- Why culture isn’t ping pong tables — it’s how your processes show up in frontline behavior - The simple “walk into the store” test he uses to read a company’s leadership in 30 seconds - How the owner’s emotional state quietly shapes every customer interaction - Why culture without systems is just vibes, and systems without the right people is just paperwork - The critical role of data in decision-making (including why failed decisions are still valuable data points) We also dive into:- The danger of using 10–15 different communication tools and how it silently kills speed - A simple way to structure internal vs. external communication so nothing falls through the cracks - Why direct customer relationships beat intermediaries — with real lessons from Amazon, Apple, and Tesla - How to think about customer acquisition cost, average basket size, and increasing revenue from your existing customers - Barry’s recommended read: *The Cold Start Problem* by Andrew Chen, and what network effects mean for non-tech businesses If you’re serious about building a healthier business…If your culture feels “off” but you can’t quite put your finger on why…If you suspect you’re leaving money on the table with your existing customers…This episode is for you.