What happens when success stops being something you enjoy and starts becoming something you need?

In this episode of The Clark Connection Podcast, Aaron Clark sits down with singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and former Nashville Star contestant David St. Romain for a conversation about the dangerous side of success, leadership, resilience, trauma, faith, and finding purpose beyond recognition.

David opens up about a realization that changed the way he viewed success: he was living by the applause. When the crowd was there and things were going well, he felt great. When the applause disappeared, so did the emotional high.

That journey eventually led David toward Stoicism, personal responsibility, faith, and a deeper understanding of where his identity and purpose really come from.

Aaron and David also discuss David’s journey through the music industry, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit leadership. David shares how his organization, Songs of Survivors, uses songwriting and storytelling to help military veterans process trauma, build connection, and reframe painful experiences through music.

They also get into what real leadership requires, why leaders must take responsibility when things go wrong, the importance of routines and reflection, and how tools like EOS and the book Traction have helped David bring structure to his entrepreneurial ventures.

David also shares the story behind his upcoming autobiography, This Hole in Me, which explores childhood trauma, resilience, vulnerability, healing, and the experiences that shaped the man and leader he is today.

If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, creator, high achiever, or anyone who has ever tied your identity to achievement or other people’s approval, this conversation is for you.

Because success isn’t necessarily the problem.

The danger begins when you need the applause.

🎙️ The Clark Connection Podcast with Aaron Clark

🎤 Guest: David St. Romain

CONNECT WITH DAVID:

DavidStRomain.com

MeetDSR.com

Text #CoachClark to 225-396-4166 and stay connected with David St. Romain

SUBSCRIBE to The Clark Connection Podcast for conversations about leadership, entrepreneurship, personal growth, discipline, and becoming a better version of yourself.

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🌐 Website: https://www.coachclarkleadership.com

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Business has changed. The way we market, sell, lead, and reach customers continues to evolve, and what worked five or ten years ago may not be enough to keep you competitive today.

In this episode of The Clark Connection Podcast, Aaron Clark sits down with Chris Blades, Director of Sales at Guaranty Media and Gatorworks, to talk about what it takes to keep up.

Chris shares lessons from more than 20 years in media and marketing, including how traditional media companies have adapted to digital platforms, streaming, social media, and changing consumer behavior. He also shares his own career journey from television production and marketing to sales and leadership.

The conversation goes beyond media. Chris and Aaron discuss why leaders shouldn't try to be the smartest person in the room, the importance of hiring people who complement your weaknesses, and how giving people room to think and create can build a stronger team.

Chris also shares how leaving media during COVID and working in his family's farming business forced him to learn sales, deal with rejection, and find new ways to create opportunities when the old way of doing business suddenly didn't work.

If you're a leader, entrepreneur, or business owner trying to navigate a world that refuses to stop changing, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to know everything.

But you've got to keep up.

In this episode:

* Why businesses and leaders have to continually adapt

* How digital media changed the traditional advertising model

* Why great leaders hire people who know what they don't

* Giving your team freedom while still holding them accountable

* Learning sales through rejection and adversity

* Why continuous learning matters more than ever

Subscribe to **The Clark Connection Podcast** for more conversations about leadership, personal growth, and entrepreneurship.

Connect with Coach Clark

🌐 Website: https://www.coachclarkleadership.com

📱 Follow Coach Clark on all social media: @coachclarkleadership

Got Questions? Ask THE Coach!

Have a leadership, personal growth, or entrepreneurship question you'd like answered on a future episode or livestream?

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Thank You to Our Sponsors

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Sponsors

Steadfast Electric

BJ and the team at Steadfast Electric

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Automate Integrate Professional Services

Andrew and the team at Automate Integrate Professional Services

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Chiropractic Internist

📞 225-291-2626

🌐 https://www.brspine.com/

Interested in Sponsoring The Clark Connection Podcast?

Partner with one of Louisiana's fastest-growing leadership podcasts and put your business in front of leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals each week.

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📧 aaron@coachclarkleadership.com

What happens when you’re always the smartest person in the room?

In this episode of The Clark Connection Podcast, Aaron sits down with Julia LaRose, owner of Pink’s Window Cleaning and Services in East Baton Rouge, for a conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, service, and why real growth requires people who are willing to challenge you.

Julia shares her journey from civil engineering and technical sales into entrepreneurship and explains why she and her husband built Pink’s around something much bigger than cleaning windows. Their mission is about serving people, restoring human connection, developing young leaders, and strengthening their community.

Aaron and Julia also dig into why great leaders don’t need to have all the answers. They discuss the value of surrounding yourself with people who think differently, being willing to admit when you’re wrong, and developing what Julia calls “confident humility.”

They also discuss:

* Why leadership starts with making people feel seen and valued

* Hiring for character, values, and coachability instead of just experience

* Building a culture that employees actually understand and believe in

* Giving young people real opportunities to develop leadership skills

* Recognizing the people who helped you succeed

* Why growth requires challenge and discomfort

* The importance of service, community, and human connection

* Why leaders should remain lifelong learners

Julia also shares the influence her grandfather had on her approach to leadership, the books shaping how she thinks about business and service, and why she has started exchanging handwritten letters with her parents.

If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or leader who wants to build something bigger than yourself, this conversation is a reminder that you don’t grow by always being right. You grow by staying humble enough to be challenged.

Connect with Julia & Pink’s Windows:

Pink’s Windows: pinkswindows.com

Facebook: Pink’s Windows East Baton Rouge

Email: [Julia@pinkswindows.com](mailto:Julia@pinkswindows.com)

Be sure to subscribe to The Clark Connection Podcast and follow @coachclarkleadership for more conversations about leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

00:00 Celebrating Episode 100: A Milestone Reflection

07:51 The Journey Begins: Inspiration Behind the Podcast

20:08 Lessons Learned: Insights from 100 Episodes

32:41 Guest Updates: Where Are They Now?

39:20 Success Stories of Former Guests

45:50 Health and Wellness Journeys

51:47 Reflections on Podcast Growth

58:53 Vision for the Future

01:04:01 Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated

100 episodes.

It’s hard to believe The Clark Connection Podcast has reached this milestone, and in this special episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of the journey that made it possible.

From the moment the idea for the podcast was born to the lessons learned through countless conversations with incredible guests, I’m sharing the stories you haven’t heard, the challenges you didn’t see, and the leadership principles that have shaped both this show and my own life.

We’ll talk about how consistency beats perfection, why authentic relationships create opportunities you never expected, what it really takes to produce a podcast every week, and some of my favorite memories from the past 100 episodes. I’ll also give updates on past guests, reflect on how the show has evolved, and share where The Clark Connection Podcast is headed next.

Whether you've been listening since Episode 1 or you're joining us for the first time, I hope this conversation encourages you to keep showing up, keep growing, and keep investing in the people around you.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why consistency is one of the greatest leadership advantages you can develop.

• How genuine connections can open doors you never expected.

• The systems and preparation that make long-term success possible.

• What 100 episodes have taught me about leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

• Why your story has the power to impact someone else's life.

If this episode encourages you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use the reminder that every big achievement starts with a single step.

Connect with Aaron Clark:

Socials: @coachclarkleadership

Special thanks to our sponsors:

• TruScaler – Generative Engine Optimization: https://truescaler.com

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• Automate Integrate Professional Services: https://automate-integrate.com

#Leadership #PersonalGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #TheClarkConnectionPodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #Success #Consistency #Networking #CoachClark

Artificial intelligence is changing business faster than ever, but most small business owners still aren't sure where to start. In this episode of The Clark Connection Podcast, Aaron Clark sits down with Chris King, founder and CEO of Next Level Solutions, to discuss how AI is transforming the way businesses operate and why leaders who ignore it risk falling behind.

Chris explains why AI isn't replacing great leaders—it's becoming one of the most powerful tools they can use. You'll learn why strong systems and processes must come before AI implementation, the three types of business owners responding to AI today, and practical ways to begin leveraging AI to improve efficiency, profitability, and decision-making.

Beyond AI, Aaron and Chris dive into entrepreneurship, leadership, resilience, strategic thinking, and the lessons that come from failure. Chris shares how overcoming setbacks shaped his business journey, why every leader needs outside perspective and mentorship, and the books that have had the greatest impact on his leadership philosophy.

Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or leader looking to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world, this conversation will challenge you to think bigger, lead better, and embrace continuous growth.

⏱ Chapters

00:00 Embracing AI in Business

01:10 Theme Song

01:48 Introduction & Chris King's Background

07:12 Understanding Next Level Solutions

24:05 The Importance of Strategic Perspective

28:40 The Importance of Perspective in Leadership

31:07 Early Entrepreneurial Experiences

35:50 The Journey of Next Level Solutions

39:43 Learning from Failure

41:35 The Role of Physical Health in Leadership

43:54 Recommended Reads for Leaders

48:03 Compassion in Leadership

51:22 Personal Insights and Family Life

🔗 Connect with Chris King

Website: https://nextlevelsol.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/next-level-solutions

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NextLevelSol

Email: chris@nextlevelsol.net

Connect with me:

🌐 https://coachclarkleadership.com

📱 Follow @coachclarkleadership on all social media platforms

Got a leadership question? Ask THE Coach!

https://forms.gle/CxAoZ2xw6Z8aDifg8

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

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Remember, you don't need to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great. Keep Leading, Keep Learning, and Keep Connecting!

Success in business isn't just about working harder. It's about thinking differently.

In this episode of The Clark Connection Podcast, Aaron Clark sits down with entrepreneur and business coach Matthew Sayles for a powerful conversation about the mindset shifts that separate struggling entrepreneurs from successful ones. From building a business around your identity to eliminating distractions, making intentional investments, and developing leaders who multiply your impact, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for business owners, leaders, and anyone striving to grow.

Matthew shares why entrepreneurship is ultimately a step of faith, how to navigate the loneliness that often comes with building a business, and why the most successful leaders learn to focus on what matters most instead of trying to do everything.

If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or leader looking for practical strategies to build a stronger business and become a better leader, this conversation is for you.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why your identity shapes your business more than your strategy

• How eliminating distractions creates greater focus and productivity

• The difference between spending money and making intentional investments

• Why entrepreneurship can feel lonely and how community changes everything

• How to sell transformation instead of simply selling products or services

• The importance of building systems that develop and multiply leaders

• Practical lessons from Atomic Habits that every entrepreneur should apply

• Why saying "no" is one of the most valuable leadership skills you can develop

Connect with Matthew Sayles:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-sayles/

Website: https://stratusbusiness.co/

Podcast: Startup Stories

Connect with Coach Clark:

Website: www.coachclarkleadership.com

Follow on social media: @coachclarkleadership

Got Questions? Ask THE Coach!

https://forms.gle/CxAoZ2xw6Z8aDifg8

Premium Sponsor:

Hubbard Flooring Studio

Call: 225-924-1582

Website: [www.hubbardflooringstudio.com](http://www.hubbardflooringstudio.com)

Address: 11880 Boylan Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70809

TruScaler

https://truscaler.com/

Sponsors:

Steadfast Electric

Call: 225-364-9218

Website: https://steadfastelectric.com/

Dr. Robert W. Smith, DC, DABCI

Website: https://www.brspine.com/

Automate Integrate Professional Services

Website: https://automate-integrate.com/

#Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #EntrepreneurMindset #PersonalGrowth #BusinessCoach #TheClarkConnectionPodcast #CoachClark #MatthewSayles

0:00 Why identity comes first

01:17 Clark Connection Podcast intro

01:48 Sponsors and episode introduction

06:31 What this conversation is about

07:09 Meet Matthew Sales

08:45 Helping small businesses find their voice

12:05 Entrepreneurship as a step of faith

16:36 Financial realities of building a business

19:27 Cutting expenses and making intentional investments

23:25 Focus, distractions, and the signal-to-noise ratio

25:02 Rethinking work-life balance and priorities

32:49 Why entrepreneurship can feel lonely

35:40 Creating your own platform and opportunities

39:08 Sell the outcome, not the service

45:24 Becoming a guide for your clients

45:59 Atomic Habits, identity, and leadership

50:49 Developing people who can go beyond you

56:45 Advice for new leaders: don’t take yourself too seriously

60:09 How to connect with Matthew

61:52 Closing leadership takeaways

What if four simple steps could completely change the way you handle failure, lead others, and pursue success?

In this episode of The Clark Connection Podcast, Aaron Clark sits down with Dominique Edmond, founder of Empower Publishing Worldwide, leadership expert, and author of *How to Set Yourself on Fire*. Dominique shares the incredible journey that took him from hating books to building a publishing company that has helped more than 100 authors establish their credibility and share their message with the world.

But this conversation goes far beyond writing books.

Dominique shares the leadership lessons he learned through failure, the importance of building systems instead of relying on motivation, and why protecting your mindset is one of the most valuable skills any leader can develop.

You'll also learn Dominique's powerful **SODA Method**—Stop, Own, Declare, Act—a practical framework that helps leaders take responsibility, overcome setbacks, and move forward with confidence.

Whether you're leading a business, a team, your family, or simply trying to become the best version of yourself, this episode will challenge the way you think about leadership, growth, and personal responsibility.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The leadership lesson that launched Empower Publishing Worldwide

• Why systems outperform motivation every time

• How to turn mistakes into opportunities for growth

• The importance of protecting your mindset and energy

• Practical ways to overcome negative thinking

• How the SODA Method can help you make better decisions and become a stronger leader

• Why leaders are learners and the books that have shaped Dominique's success

If you're ready to stop making excuses, build better habits, and lead with greater confidence, this episode is for you.

Connect with Dominique Edmond:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominique-edmond/

Empower Publishing Worldwide: https://empowerpublishingworldwide.com/

---

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Vicki with Hubbard Flooring Studio

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Mention Coach Clark and receive **20% OFF all rugs!**

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Sponsors:

Steadfast Electric

📞 225-364-9218

🌐 https://steadfastelectric.com/

Automate Integrate Professional Services

🌐 https://automate-integrate.com/

Dr. Robert W. Smith, DC, DABCI

🌐 https://www.brspine.com/

---

Connect with Coach Clark:

🌐 https://www.coachclarkleadership.com

Follow Coach Clark Leadership & Development:

YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & TikTok

@coachclarkleadership

Got a leadership question?

Ask THE Coach:

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#Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #Mindset #Entrepreneur #BusinessLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #CoachClark #DominiqueEdmond #TheClarkConnectionPodcast #SODAMethod #EmpowerPublishing #SystemsThinking #SuccessMindset

Chapters

00:00 Guarding Your Mindset

01:19 Theme Song

07:53 The Journey to Empowered Publishing

19:48 The Importance of Systems in Leadership

25:47 Transitioning Through Careers

30:59 Learning from Every Stage

31:27 Lessons from Leadership and Life Experiences

39:06 Guarding Your Mindset and Energy

46:21 The Importance of Continuous Learning

55:27 The SODA Model: Stop, Own, Declare, Act

00:00 The Cost of Success: Finding Joy

01:39 Theme Song

02:16 Welcome & Intro

02:49 Building with God: The Kingdom Impact

06:10 The Journey of a Joy Coach

09:06 The Power of Mindset and Attitude

11:47 Preserving Joy in Leadership

15:05 Miraculous Healing and Transformation

18:08 Choosing Joy: A Daily Practice

20:54 The Role of Joy in Leadership

23:50 Finding Alignment and Purpose

27:13 The Importance of Community and Support

30:09 Books and Resources for Leaders

33:08 Final Thoughts: Joy as a Strategy

Is success costing you your joy?

Too many entrepreneurs and leaders spend years chasing success, only to discover they've sacrificed the very things that matter most. In this episode of The Clark Connection Podcast, Aaron Clark sits down with Nikki Cruise, Kingdom Business Architect and Joy Coach, to discuss why success should never come at the expense of your joy, your faith, or your purpose.

Nikki shares her incredible story of miraculous healing after spending 11 years in a wheelchair, how that experience transformed her perspective on leadership and business, and why she now helps entrepreneurs build businesses that create Kingdom impact without leading to burnout.

You'll discover why joy is more than an emotion—it's a leadership strategy. Nikki explains the difference between building for God versus building with God, how to recognize when you're out of alignment, and practical ways to create systems that preserve your peace while growing your business.

Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, leader, or someone pursuing God's purpose for your life, this conversation will challenge the way you think about success.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why success that costs you your joy is too expensive

• How to build a business with God instead of simply for God

• Practical strategies to prevent burnout and preserve joy

• Why joy is a signal that reveals alignment with your purpose

• Nikki Cruise's miraculous healing story and the leadership lessons it taught her

• How faith, mindset, and purpose work together to create lasting impact

• Leadership principles for building a Kingdom-focused business

Connect with Nikki Cruise

🌐 Website: https://joy-inspired.com

🎙️ Joy-Inspired Podcast: https://joy-inspired.com/podcast

📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/NikkiCruise

Connect with Coach Clark

🌐 Website: https://www.coachclarkleadership.com

📱 Follow Coach Clark on all social media: @coachclarkleadership

Got Questions? Ask THE Coach!

Have a leadership, personal growth, or entrepreneurship question you'd like answered on a future episode or livestream?

Submit your question here:

https://forms.gle/CxAoZ2xw6Z8aDifg8

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Premium Sponsors

Hubbard Flooring Studio

📞 225-924-1582

🌐 https://www.hubbardflooringstudio.com

📍 11880 Boylan Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70809

TruScaler

Improve your visibility in AI-powered search with TruScaler.

🌐 https://truscaler.com/

Sponsors

Steadfast Electric

📞 225-364-9218

🌐 https://steadfastelectric.com/

Automate Integrate Professional Services

📧 andrew@automate-integrate.com

🌐 https://automate-integrate.com/

Dr. Robert W. Smith, DC, DABCI

Chiropractic Internist

📞 225-291-2626

🌐 https://www.brspine.com/

Interested in Sponsoring The Clark Connection Podcast?

Partner with one of Louisiana's fastest-growing leadership podcasts and put your business in front of leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals each week.

---

The Clark Connection Podcast brings you practical conversations on leadership, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and faith to help you become the leader your family, team, and community deserve.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs this message.

#Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Faith #ChristianBusiness #KingdomBusiness #BusinessLeadership #Joy #Burnout #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #Mindset #Purpose #Success #TheClarkConnectionPodcast