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  • Ep. 152 | Maximizing Leverage for Massive Success
    2026/06/03

    Leverage as a Force Multiplier: Networking, Negotiation, and Working Smarter. In this episode, we discuss “leverage” as both a noun and a verb. Resources, relationships, or skills that amplify impact, and as a force multiplier for business, sales, and life. Steven recaps a BNI Mastermind Workshop series for a 75-member Arizona chapter: the first session focused on opportunity, health, and wealth alignment, while the second centered on networking and marketing through relationship-building rather than cold calling. Key ideas include a leverage formula (value produced ÷ time invested) to evaluate hourly impact, using delegation and hiring to scale, and negotiation leverage through alternatives, evidence, testimonials, and win-win outcomes (referencing Chris Voss and “Getting to Yes”). A Venn diagram highlights leveraging overlapping business, personal, community, and online networks with authentic, connector-minded networking. We also note leverage via tools, automation, and media/content that scales over time, and recommend “Never Split the Difference” and Herb Cohen’s “You Can Negotiate Anything.”

    00:00 Retention Over Churn

    00:17 BNI Mastermind Series

    02:43 Leverage Defined

    04:39 Force Multipliers Formula

    06:42 Sales Negotiation Leverage

    08:50 Product Service Advantage

    09:46 Work Smarter Networks

    10:28 Venn Diagram Networking

    15:03 Everyday Leverage Examples

    16:41 Negotiation Tripod

    17:59 Modern Leverage Assets


    As an entrepreneur, you might find yourself wondering how to maximize your potential and grow your business. The answer often lies in leveraging your network.


    Key Takeaways:

    Understanding Leverage in Networking

    Networking is not just about collecting contacts; it's about building relationships that can lead to mutual benefits. The key is understanding how to use these connections effectively. As Steven Harris pointed out, leverage can be considered both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the influence or power you gain from relationships. As a verb, it involves actively applying your resources or skills to achieve desired outcomes.

    The Power of Relationships

    Building genuine relationships is vital in networking. As Steven mentioned, it’s about developing connections that can help you in your business journey. Whether it's through referrals, partnerships, or collaborations, the right relationships can open doors and create opportunities for growth.


    Networking Strategies for Entrepreneurs:

    • Attend Industry Events
    • Leverage Social Media
    • Follow Up
    • Offer Value First
    • The Role of Evidence in Networking
    • Building Trust Through Transparency


    Big Idea: Measuring Your Leverage Point

    Understanding your leverage point is crucial as an entrepreneur. This involves calculating the value produced relative to the time invested. For instance, if you earn $100,000 a year working 2,000 hours, your leverage point is $50 per hour. The goal is to either work less while maintaining income or increase income while keeping hours the same. The magic happens when you can accomplish both. This concept not only applies to financials but can also be measured in terms of time and effort put into networking.


    Follow the SuccessFlow Podcast on ⁠Instagram⁠: ⁠@successflowpodcast⁠


    To connect with Steven and ways he can help:

    Founder/Creator: ⁠⁠www.oppoflowmindset.com⁠⁠

    Small Business Payroll - PHX Franchise Owner: ⁠⁠www.journeypayrollhr.com⁠ ⁠

    Instagram: ⁠@steven.oppo.flow ⁠


    To connect with Phil and contact directly: ⁠⁠https://phillipcrawford.com/⁠ ⁠

    X: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/PhillipCrawford⁠ ⁠

    Instagram: ⁠@flowstatecrawford⁠


    Acknowledgements:

    The Intro and Outro Music credit to Holden Peyton.This podcast episode is produced and published by Dolphin Podcasting, LLC. Launch your podcast today at ⁠⁠www.DolphinPodcasting.com

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    20 分
  • Ep. 151 | Radical Candor to Ensure Clarity
    2026/05/27
    Radical Candor, Hard Conversations, and Using AI Without Losing Authenticity. We discuss why avoiding hard conversations in relationships and business creates unresolved weight, while direct, transparent talks, often as brief as 30–120 seconds, close loops, protect culture, and prevent repeated mistakes. We share service-industry examples of confronting abusive clients to safeguard team morale and resources, and leadership lessons about not triangulating conflicts, bringing the right people into the same room instead of separate one-on-ones. Referencing Kim Scott’s “Radical Candor” (care personally, challenge directly) and Ray Dalio’s “Principles” (radical transparency, war-room meetings, and “pain + reflection = progress”), we explore balancing empathy with directness, reducing hedging, and being introspective about what truly needs addressing. We also touch on AI: it can boost efficiency, but copying generic AI responses undermines authenticity; AI is a powerful tool that must be used carefully, like driving a bulldozer without being reckless.00:00 Win Or Learn Mindset00:21 Why Hard Talks Matter02:30 Culture Needs Candor03:05 Firing Bad Clients05:23 Radical Candor Framework09:06 Empathy And Leadership10:35 Kind Candor And Feedback14:25 War Room Transparency16:54 Stop Hedging And Mediate20:50 AI And Authentic CommunicationKey Takeaways:Hard conversations are essential for resolving issues and building trust.Radical Candor involves caring personally while challenging directly.Avoiding conflict can lead to bigger problems; address issues early.Effective communication requires empathy and self-awareness.AI tools can support transparency but must be used authentically.Topic FAQs:What is radical candor?Radical candor is a communication concept that encourages leaders to care personally while also challenging directly. It helps create a culture of open feedback and trust.How can I prepare for a difficult conversation?Preparation involves anticipating potential reactions, clarifying your goals for the conversation, and thinking through how to communicate your message effectively.Why is follow-up important after hard conversations?Follow-up shows that you care about the other person's feelings and the outcome of the conversation, reinforcing accountability and support.Episode Call Outs:My First Million Podcast with Gary VBook Rec: Radical Candor by Kim ScottFollow the SuccessFlow Podcast on ⁠Instagram⁠: @successflowpodcastTo connect with Steven and ways he can help:⁠Founder/Creator: ⁠www.oppoflowmindset.com⁠ Small Business Payroll - PHX Franchise Owner: ⁠www.journeypayrollhr.com⁠ Instagram: @steven.oppo.flow To connect with Phil and contact directly: ⁠https://phillipcrawford.com/⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/PhillipCrawford⁠ Instagram: @flowstatecrawfordAcknowledgements:The Intro and Outro Music credit to Holden Peyton.This podcast episode is produced and published by Dolphin Podcasting, LLC. Launch your podcast today at ⁠www.DolphinPodcasting.com
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    25 分
  • Ep. 150 | Closing Loops to Generate Momentum
    2026/05/20

    Closing Loops: Momentum, Flywheels, and Smoothing Friction in Work and Life

    We discuss how momentum comes from taking action first and completing “loops,” noting that open loops create mental fatigue and stress. Steven shares a recent intense 10-day stretch re-onboarding a large payroll client that returned mid-year after trying another CRM/payroll provider, requiring him to rebuild 19 off-system payrolls across three pay cycles, reformat non-importable Excel data, reconcile discrepancies, and ensure accurate year-to-date reporting. Repetition improved his efficiency from about three hours per payroll to roughly 90 minutes, illustrating how friction can be smoothed through process iteration. We compare implementation loops to enterprise sales/deployment loops, emphasize communication and closure, and apply the concept to personal routines like health habits. We contrast positive feedback loops (morning routines, avoiding phone consumption) with negative loops (doom scrolling).

    00:00 Momentum Starts With Action

    00:19 Big Client Returns Chaos

    02:41 Open Loops And Mental Load

    04:37 Implementation Loop Breakdown

    05:56 Speeding Up With Reps

    08:48 Sales To Delivery Handoffs

    12:48 Health Routines As Loops

    15:18 Flywheel And Feedback Loops

    17:32 Morning Habits And Intentions


    Key Takeaways

    The Power of Routine in Closing Loops: Establishing a routine can significantly help in managing open loops. By creating a structured schedule, you can consistently allocate time to address unfinished tasks. This not only helps in closing the loops but also builds a habit of efficiency.

    Mastering Loops for Efficiency: Transforming tasks into optimized routines creates momentum and reduces friction, leading to sustained achievement.

    Momentum from Action: Starting with small, consistent actions builds momentum, reframing motivation as a result of action rather than its cause.

    Personal Well-being as a Loop: Health and sleep routines are crucial loops that influence overall performance, emphasizing their role in success.

    Continuous Improvement through Repetition: Repeated actions provide opportunities for refinement, promoting a growth mindset and reducing analysis paralysis.

    Initial Actions Set Trajectory: The quality of starting routines or processes significantly impacts long-term outcomes, encouraging intentional daily habits.

    Identifying Leverage Points: Recognizing recurring patterns helps address inefficiencies, enabling proactive system design for better performance.

    Tools and Environment Influence Loops: Strategic use of tools and environment design enhances the effectiveness of routines, creating a self-reinforcing ecosystem.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------Contact the SuccessFlow Podcast:

    Instagram: @successflowpodcast

    Email: successflowpod@gmail.com

    To connect with Steven and ways he can help:⁠Founder/Creator: ⁠www.oppoflowmindset.com⁠ Small Business Payroll - PHX Franchise Owner: ⁠www.journeypayrollhr.com⁠ Instagram: @steven.oppo.flow To connect with Phil and contact directly: ⁠https://phillipcrawford.com/⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/PhillipCrawford⁠ Instagram: @flowstatecrawfordAcknowledgements:The Intro and Outro Music credit to Holden Peyton.This podcast episode is produced and published by Dolphin Podcasting, LLC. Launch your podcast today at ⁠www.DolphinPodcasting.com

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    19 分
  • Ep. 149 | Crafting Taste in an AI Driven World
    2026/05/13

    Taste in the Age of AI: What Can’t Be AutomatedWe explore what “taste” really means beyond surface preferences, using Rick Rubin—renowned producer for artists like Jay-Z, Eminem, Beastie Boys, and Johnny Cash—as a springboard to discuss taste as a subjective filter for reality that can be cultivated through immersion, craftsmanship, attention, and noticing. We debate AI’s limitations, arguing it largely averages existing inputs and can’t replace an individual’s one-of-one perspective, making personal authenticity and intentional curation more important as creation becomes commoditized. Examples include brand advertising (Lexus vs. BMW, Rolex demographics), life choices and relationships, the nature-versus-nurture origins of taste, resisting industry expectations (Met Gala), and how music preferences and eclectic playlists reveal personality and current emotional states, concluding that letting your unique taste shine helps you stand out from the crowd.00:00 What Is Taste00:22 Rick Rubin Clip01:58 Rubin Background03:18 Taste Beyond Preference04:58 Can AI Have Taste05:52 Lexus Versus BMW08:10 Where Taste Comes From10:19 Cultivating Taste12:27 Noticing And Attention15:08 Who Defines Good Taste16:57 Music Reveals Personality19:54 Taste In The AI Era22:10 Final TakeawaysFollow the SuccessFlow Podcast on ⁠Instagram⁠: @successflowpodcastTo connect with Steven and ways he can help:⁠Founder/Creator: ⁠www.oppoflowmindset.com⁠ Small Business Payroll - PHX Franchise Owner: ⁠www.journeypayrollhr.com⁠ Instagram: @steven.oppo.flow To connect with Phil and contact directly: ⁠https://phillipcrawford.com/⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/PhillipCrawford⁠ Instagram: @flowstatecrawfordAcknowledgements:The Intro and Outro Music credit to Holden Peyton.

    This podcast episode is produced and published by Dolphin Podcasting, LLC.

    Launch your podcast today at ⁠www.DolphinPodcasting.com

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    23 分
  • Ep. 148 | The Masks We Wear
    2026/05/06

    Authenticity vs. Masks: Performing, Adapting, and Becoming Who You’re Meant to Be

    In this podcast episode, the hosts explore what it reallymeans to “be yourself,” arguing that everyone performs different parts of themselves depending on context and audience. They discuss Irving Goffman’s idea that daily life is impression management, and whether adapting behavior isinauthentic or simply emotional intelligence, while warning that constant chameleon-like validation seeking can become a problem. They reference Mark Manson’s point that the issue isn’t performance but caring about validation, and connect authenticity to conditioning, unlearning, alter egos, and focusing on who you’re becoming rather than a fixed identity. The conversation touches on truth seeking, cognitive bandwidth, and Carl Jung’s shadow self as a path tofuller self-expression. They close with a reflection exercise about masks worn by conditioning versus by design and a call to share the episode.

    00:00 Authenticity Kickoff

    00:24 Look Good Play Good

    00:50 Masks and Performance

    03:10 Dramaturgy Explained

    05:27 Adaptation vs Validation

    06:36 Stop Faking No Performance

    07:49 Aging Into Authenticity

    09:08 Unlearning and Alter Egos

    10:58 Reflection and Self Forgiveness

    14:49 Myth of Normal Insights

    16:34 Truth Seeking Debate

    23:17 Shadow Self Integration

    25:41 Practical Authenticity Takeaways

    27:36 Design Your Mask Outro

    Follow the SuccessFlow Podcast on ⁠Instagram⁠:⁠@successflowpodcast⁠

    To connect with Steven and ways he can help: ⁠Founder/Creator:⁠⁠www.oppoflowmindset.com⁠⁠Small Business Payroll - PHX Franchise Owner: ⁠⁠www.journeypayrollhr.com⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠@steven.oppo.flow⁠

    To connect with Phil and contact directly: ⁠⁠https://phillipcrawford.com/⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/PhillipCrawford⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠@flowstatecrawford⁠

    Acknowledgements:

    The Intro and Outro Music credit toHolden Peyton.

    This podcast episode is produced and published by DolphinPodcasting, LLC.

    Launch your podcast today at ⁠⁠www.DolphinPodcasting.com

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    29 分
  • Ep. 147 | Inspiring Change with Stephanie Hanneken
    2026/04/29

    Stephanie Hanneken, Founder of Inspire Change Counseling, on Healing Trauma, EMDR, and a Holistic Mind-Body-Spirit Approach to Success.

    The hosts interview licensed therapist and personal trainer Stephanie Hanneken, who grew up in St. Louis, moved to Arizona six years ago, and describes her winding education path from music scholarship and volleyball to journalism and organizational communications before pursuing counseling. She shares surviving an abusive college relationship involving coercion and rape, subsequent PTSD and panic attacks, leaving the relationship at 20, transferring to Mizzou, and later discovering psychology after a counselor encouraged her to enter the field. Stephanie explains how faith, exercise, and a holistic mind-body-spirit framework shaped her practice, Inspire Change Counseling (founded 2014, with offices in Phoenix and St. Louis). She details how EMDR works and how clinicians identify root memories and reduce triggers, discusses attachment theory’s role in modern relationships, and defines success as impacting others and helping people heal and share their stories.

    To Connect with Stephanie:

    Inspire Change Counseling: www.InspiringChangeCounseling.com

    Email: Stephanie@inspurechangecounseling.com

    Other Resources: www.PsychologyToday.com

    00:00 Whole Self Mind Body

    00:22 Meet Stephanie Hanneken

    01:18 Growing Up St Louis

    03:12 St Louis High School Code

    04:12 College Path Twists

    06:12 Ankle Injury And Regret

    08:45 Abuse Story Begins

    14:06 PTSD Escape And Calling

    17:57 Holistic Therapy Framework

    19:39 Morning Routine And Boundaries

    20:49 Love After Trauma

    23:05 Instagram DM Meet Cute

    23:54 Almost Met Before

    24:58 Body Signals Safety

    25:22 Cody Dreamy Banter

    26:25 Missouri Roots Jokes

    27:11 EMDR Explained Simply

    30:07 EMDR Origin Walking

    30:38 Kids Anxiety Root

    33:48 Finding Trauma Roots

    36:28 Attachment Theory Today

    39:16 Family Culture Wars

    41:45 Ownership Locus Control

    44:20 Defining Success

    45:51 Where To Find Help


    Follow the SuccessFlow Podcast on ⁠Instagram⁠: @successflowpodcastTo connect with Steven and ways he can help:⁠Founder/Creator: ⁠www.oppoflowmindset.com⁠ Small Business Payroll - PHX Franchise Owner: ⁠www.journeypayrollhr.com⁠ Instagram: @steven.oppo.flow To connect with Phil and contact directly: ⁠https://phillipcrawford.com/⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/PhillipCrawford⁠ Instagram: @flowstatecrawfordAcknowledgements:The Intro and Outro Music credit to Holden Peyton.

    This podcast episode is produced and published by Dolphin Podcasting, LLC. Launch your podcast today at ⁠www.DolphinPodcasting.com

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    47 分
  • Ep. 146 | Clichés: Why High Performers Don't Ignore Them
    2026/04/22

    Why Clichés Work: Time-Tested Wisdom on Action, Time, Luck & Fortune

    We discuss why clichés, though often dismissed as lazy or cheesy, endure because they’re time-tested phrases of wisdom, distinct from corporate buzzwords.

    We unpack favorite examples focused on urgency and action:

    “time is money”

    “actions speak louder than words”

    “strike while the iron’s hot”

    “the early bird gets the worm”

    “put your money where your mouth is”

    “less is more/keep it simple”

    Then we shift to relationships and character:

    “you get more with honey than vinegar”

    “what goes around comes around” the golden rule,

    “show me your friends, I’ll show you your future”.

    We connect clichés to luck versus fortune, arguing you can “create your own luck” by staying in motion and taking aligned action, citing “the harder I work, the luckier I get,” while warning about busyness, sunk costs, and when to change direction.

    We close with long-term perspective:

    “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and risk-taking

    “fortune favors the bold”

    Plus the French printing-press origin of the word “cliché.

    ”00:00 Why Cliches Matter

    02:50 Time Is Money

    03:45 Action Over Talk

    04:58 Oglesby Boot Camp Lessons

    06:17 Seize The Moment

    07:25 Early Bird Advantage

    11:23 Honey Over Vinegar

    12:41 Karma And The Golden Rule

    14:47 Friends Shape Your Future

    16:16 Less Is More

    16:42 Create Your Own Luck

    20:00 Hard Work Vs Busy Work

    22:32 Fortune Favors The Bold

    23:49 Where Cliche Comes From


    Follow the SuccessFlow Podcast on ⁠Instagram⁠: @successflowpodcastTo connect with Steven and ways he can help:⁠Founder/Creator: ⁠www.oppoflowmindset.com⁠ Small Business Payroll - PHX Franchise Owner: ⁠www.journeypayrollhr.com⁠ Instagram: @steven.oppo.flowTo connect with Phil and contact directly: ⁠https://phillipcrawford.com/⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/PhillipCrawford⁠ Instagram: @flowstatecrawfordAcknowledgements:The Intro and Outro Music credit to Holden Peyton.

    This podcast episode is produced and published by Dolphin Podcasting, LLC. Launch your podcast today at ⁠www.DolphinPodcasting.com

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    25 分
  • Ep. 145 | Pivotal Moments to Entrepreneurship
    2026/04/15

    In a face-to-face interview, the Steven reflects on learning responsibility and adaptability through service work at Oregano’s, arguing hospitality should be a rite of passage because it builds confidence with strangers and sales skills. He describes moving from ASU to ITT Tech for computer drafting, working in AutoCAD at Fitch, and realizing the “CAD monkey” desk life lacked the people-focused creativity he wanted. Encouraged by Kimberly, he joined his father’s company MasterTax, then transitioned through ADP’s acquisition, using training and certifications to grow as a salesperson and leader while recognizing the value of human connection with business owners. He shares early interest in starting a payroll company, a 15-month family move to Denver, and eventually buying into a payroll franchise with longtime colleague Jaime, highlighting hard lessons in managing people. He also explains creating the OPPO FLOW framework - open mind, purpose, preparation, opportunity awareness - and sharing it with other entrepreneurs and solopreneurs through writing, workshops, podcasting, and speaking as a creative outlet to keep the momentum, and create future opportunities.

    00:00 Earn Your Spot

    00:39 Service Industry Rite

    01:40 Oreganos Lessons

    03:28 Tipping And Incentives

    05:10 Finding Drafting Path

    08:04 Cad Monkey Reality

    09:33 Architecture Vision Board

    11:22 Master Tax Leap

    14:45 ADP Transition

    16:46 ADP Learning Sprint

    17:36 Payroll Idea Sparks

    18:32 Dad’s Acquisition Advice

    19:58 Denver Family Detour

    21:52 Go Time Entrepreneurship

    22:46 Starting the PHX Franchise

    24:55 Hard Truths Leadership

    26:58 OPPO FLOW Framework

    30:54 Closing Reflections


    Follow the SuccessFlow Podcast on ⁠Instagram⁠: @successflowpodcastTo connect with Steven and ways he can help:⁠Founder/Creator: ⁠www.oppoflowmindset.com⁠ Small Business Payroll - PHX Franchise Owner: ⁠wwww.journeypayrollhr.com⁠ Instagram: @steven.oppo.flow To connect with Phil and contact directly: ⁠https://phillipcrawford.com/⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/PhillipCrawford⁠ Instagram: @flowstatecrawfordAcknowledgements:The Intro and Outro Music credit to Holden Peyton.This podcast episode is produced and published by Dolphin Podcasting, LLC. Launch your podcast today at ⁠www.DolphinPodcasting.com

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    32 分