Have you ever looked at a project and thought, "Everything says we're on track, but something doesn't feel right"?

The budget appears fine, the team is busy, and progress reports look positive. Yet deadlines keep shifting, decisions are taking longer than expected, and the scope seems to be growing without anyone formally approving the change. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, Paul Sweeney sits down with project management consultant Richard Broo to discuss why projects rarely fail overnight and how business owners can identify the warning signs before small issues become costly problems. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience, including work with major organisations such as Toyota and General Electric, Richard shares practical strategies that small and medium business owners can apply to improve project outcomes.

What you'll learn:

• The early warning signs that a project is drifting off course
• Why communication breakdowns create costly misunderstandings
• How poor scoping and inadequate planning lead to scope creep and budget blowouts
• The importance of monitoring costs, timelines and staff capacity
• How to identify risk triggers before they become major issues
• Why successful projects focus on delivering value, not just completing tasks

Throughout the conversation, Richard explains why many businesses wait too long to seek help and how a lack of discipline around planning, reporting and accountability often leads to avoidable delays and overspending. He also shares practical ways to bring teams back into alignment, uncover the root cause of problems and get projects moving in the right direction again. Whether you're leading a major business transformation, implementing a new system, or managing day-to-day operational improvements, the lessons in this episode can help you avoid common mistakes and improve your chances of success.

Richard Broo has spent more than four decades helping organizations recover projects that are over budget, behind schedule, poorly scoped, or at risk of failing.

His work spans Fortune 500 companies, mid-market firms, and private-equity-backed businesses across manufacturing, packaging, automotive, medical equipment, construction materials, consumer goods, and electronics. He is often brought in when internal teams are stuck and leadership needs clear, practical solutions.

As founder of True North PMP Consulting, Richard works inside client organizations to identify the root causes of project failure, restore clarity and accountability, and help teams bring complex projects back under control.

www.truenorthpmpconsulting.com

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This episode is supported by the Business Planning Operating System. My 9-module course is built from 30 years of experience as an accountant, giving business owners a simple, one-page 90-day plan they'll actually use. Learn more at thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/focus

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You may have years of experience, a strong track record and a proven ability to help clients. But if the market cannot quickly understand your value, you can still find yourself chasing opportunities and repeatedly explaining why you are the right person for the job.

In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, Paul Sweeney speaks with Henry DeVries, publisher of Indie Books International and a contributor to more than 200 business books. They explore how writing a book can help business owners clarify their expertise, build trust and attract better-fit clients. More importantly, they explain why the finished book is not the final goal. It is the starting point for speaking opportunities, podcast interviews, referrals and stronger business conversations.

You’ll learn:

• Why a book can be a powerful authority-building tool for professional service providers
• How becoming an author can help potential clients understand and trust your expertise
• Why you do not need to write your book alone
• How interviews, workshops, articles and voice recordings can become source material
• Why your first draft should focus on ideas rather than perfection
• How to identify your niche audience and the specific problem your book will solve
• Why client stories are one of your most valuable hidden assets
• How a book can open doors to speaking engagements, podcasts and referrals
• Why you only need to become well known to the right audience, not everyone
• How to break the book-writing process into manageable steps

Henry DeVries also shares a four-question framework for starting strategic conversations with potential clients: clarify the goal, identify hidden assets, uncover roadblocks and share a relevant success story.

If you have ever thought you should write a book but felt short on time, confidence or writing experience, this conversation offers a practical way forward. You may already have the raw material in your client experiences, workshops, articles and ideas. The next step is to organise that knowledge into a tool that helps the right people recognise the value you bring.

Henry DeVries is a freelance journalist, ghostwriter, and bestselling author. The author of twelve marketing books and a columnist for The California Business Journal, he is a partner at Indie Books International. Prior to that he helped double revenues as president of an Ad Age 500 PR agency and was a vice president of marketing communications that doubled awareness for a $5 billion insurance company. After serving as adjunct marketing faculty and the assistant dean of continuing education at the University of California San Diego, he has been a ghostwriter, co-author, and publisher of more than 300 business books.

henry@indiebooksintl.com

www.marketingwithabook.com

This episode is supported by the Business Planning Operating System. My 9-module course is built from 30 years of experience as an accountant, giving business owners a simple, one-page 90-day plan they'll actually use. Learn more at thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/focus

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With so much attention on AI, automation and business systems, it's easy to assume that better technology will automatically lead to better outcomes. But what if the real constraint to growth isn't the tools you're using, but how you make decisions when the pressure is on?

In this episode, Paul Sweeney sits down with Dr Sarah Choudhary, founder, AI expert and author of The Sirr Code. After more than 20 years building AI systems for large enterprises, Sarah shares why business performance ultimately comes down to the human side of decision-making. Together, they explore how founders can make better choices, avoid decision fatigue and use AI more effectively without becoming overwhelmed by information.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why more data doesn't always lead to better decisions
• How pressure impacts the way business owners think and act
• The hidden cost of decision fatigue and how to reduce it
• A simple framework for prioritising decisions based on risk and importance
• Why many AI projects fail despite having the right technology
• How to brief AI tools like you would a new team member
• How high-performing founders structure their decision-making processes
• A powerful framework for setting up a business with AI from day one

Whether you're embracing AI, leading a growing team or simply looking to make better business decisions, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply immediately.

Dr Sarah Choudhary brings together decades of experience in artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and human performance to remind us that no technology can replace clear thinking, sound judgement and self-awareness. This episode will challenge the way you approach business decisions and help you build a more focused, resilient and effective business.

Dr Sarah Choudhary has been a prominent figure in the industry for over a decade, helping organizations leverage technology to achieve their goals. She has been recognized with numerous awards for her contributions to the field of AI and digital transformation and was named to the 2024 Marquis’ Who’s Who List. She is the CEO of ICE Innovations, creating innovative solutions for daily life such as ICEride, iChef, and Sprawberry.

LinkedIn

www.sarahchoudhary.com

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Most business owners know their people matter, but sales, customers, delivery and cash flow often take priority. The problem is that unresolved people issues rarely stay contained. They can lead to poor performance, staff turnover, lost knowledge and owners spending too much time putting out fires.

In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, Paul Sweeney speaks with Dee Benno about treating people management as a core business discipline rather than a soft skill. They explore how small businesses can create greater clarity, accountability and trust without needing a large HR department.

What you’ll learn:

• How people problems create hidden financial and operational costs
• Why promoting your best performer may not create your best manager
• The warning signs that your informal people systems are no longer working
• Why clear roles and accountability are essential for business growth
• Three questions every employee should be able to answer
• How to reduce the risk of losing knowledge when a key employee leaves
• Why effective HR advice must account for how the business actually operates

The people side of your business does not need to become a complicated project. It does, however, need structure and attention. This episode provides practical starting points for building a stronger team, reducing owner dependency and protecting the business you have worked so hard to create.

Dee Benno works with small businesses, associations, and HR teams of one by going beyond surface-level problems to create stable, repeatable HR strategies that make organizations better. With a focus on finding the real source of disconnection and creating intentional HR systems that are based on integrity, reliability, and follow-through, Dee cuts through the chaos to strengthen what's working and redesign what isn't to harmonize existing operational systems with people operations and organizational leadership.

Dee acts as an advisor, leader, and consultant, helping directors, leaders, and business owners navigate HR challenges to make sound strategic decisions that support their people and the organization they work for. With project-based support, grounded guidance, and attention to compliance, Dee helps organizations map a way forward that aligns with their mission.

LinkedIn

dee@bettermakerhr.com

This episode is supported by the Business Planning Operating System. My 9-module course is built from 30 years of experience as an accountant, giving business owners a simple, one-page 90-day plan they'll actually use. Learn more at thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/focus

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Most business owners think cybersecurity is a technology problem. They invest in software, antivirus programs, stronger passwords, and IT support, believing those tools will keep them safe. But what if the biggest cybersecurity risk in your business isn't your technology at all? In this episode, cybersecurity expert Robert Siciliano explains why cybercriminals are increasingly targeting people rather than systems, and why understanding human behaviour may be your strongest defence against fraud, scams, ransomware, and data breaches.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why intelligent and experienced business owners still fall victim to cybercrime
• How cybercriminals use trust, distraction, and human psychology to gain access to businesses
• Why traditional cybersecurity training often fails to change behaviour
• What Robert calls the "human blind spot" and how criminals exploit it
• How to build a "strategic human firewall" within your business
• The importance of security appreciation rather than security awareness
• Practical ways to help employees become a defence against cyber threats instead of a vulnerability
• Why personal cybersecurity habits directly impact business security

Robert shares more than 30 years of experience studying cybercrime, human behaviour, and online fraud. Rather than focusing on technology, he explains why the most effective security strategies start by helping people understand the risks they face in their personal lives and how those same risks translate into the workplace. This conversation challenges common assumptions about cybersecurity and provides a fresh, practical approach that every business owner can implement.

Whether you're concerned about ransomware, payment fraud, phishing attacks, or protecting your team's data, this episode will help you rethink how cybersecurity works and what you can do to make your business more resilient.

Robert Siciliano is a private investigator, Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), and the CEO of Protect Now, LLC. As one of the nation’s most trusted voices on cybercrime and identity theft, he has built an unparalleled media track record, appearing on over 500 television shows, contributing to over 1,000 radio programs, and being featured as an expert source in over 3,000 articles.

A fierce advocate for personal and professional security, Robert is the architect of the CSI Protection certification and a bestselling author who strips away technical jargon to deliver ‘straight talk’ solutions. His expertise is regularly sought by every major network—including CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and The Today Show—where he empowers millions of viewers to protect their data, privacy, and wealth from modern threats.

LinkedIn

www.protectnowllc.com

This episode is supported by the Business Planning Operating System. My 9-module course is built from 30 years of experience as an accountant, giving business owners a simple, one-page 90-day plan they'll actually use. Learn more at thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/focus

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Most business owners think growth comes from more sales, more customers, or working harder. But what if some of your best growth opportunities are already sitting right in front of you?

In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, Paul Sweeney speaks with entrepreneur and investor Michael Weinhouse about how strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and simple business conversations can unlock significant growth opportunities. Drawing on his experience building Logical Position into a company with more than 700 employees and 5,000 clients, Michael shares practical lessons on identifying hidden value and positioning a business for long-term success.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why many business owners miss valuable growth opportunities
• How strategic partnerships can lead to powerful business growth
• What makes an acquisition successful and when it makes sense to pursue one
• How AI can help uncover opportunities and hidden value in your business
• Why a wave of retiring business owners may create acquisition opportunities for growth-minded entrepreneurs
• The importance of culture, relationships, and trusted advisors when making strategic business decisions

Whether you're looking to grow, acquire, prepare for a future exit, or simply get more value from what you've already built, this episode will challenge the way you think about business growth and opportunity.

Michael Weinhouse is the Founder and Co-Chairman of Logical Position, an Inc. 500 digital marketing agency grossing an 8-figure revenue with more than 700 employees supporting over 5,000 clients across North America. He has also built and invested in ventures across logistics, energy, and other industries.

LinkedIn - personal

LinkedIn - company

www.logicalposition.com

This episode is supported by the Business Planning Operating System. My 9-module course built from 30 years of experience as an accountant, giving business owners a simple, one-page 90-day plan they'll actually use. Learn more at thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/focus

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Why do some businesses with talented people and a clear strategy still struggle to get results?

In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, Paul Sweeney speaks with leadership expert and author Dr André Martin about why team performance isn't driven by strategy alone. It's driven by collective confidence, the shared belief that people can succeed together. Drawing on his experience with organisations such as Google, Nike, Mars, and Target, André shares practical insights that business owners can use to build stronger teams and better cultures.

What you'll learn:

• Why inspiration drives stronger performance than engagement
• How small wins create momentum and confidence
• The leadership behaviours that shape culture
• Smarter approaches to hiring and developing people
• The concept of borrowed brilliance and how to apply it
• The impact of remote work and AI on team performance

If you want to build a business where people perform at their best and work together more effectively, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can implement immediately. Be sure to check out André's new book, Collective Confidence, for a deeper dive into these concepts.

Dr André Martin is an organizational psychologist who has been Chief Talent Officer at Google, Nike, Mars, and Target — building the leadership teams behind some of the largest growth, transformation, and turnaround efforts in corporate history. The through line was always the same: results don't stall because of bad strategy. They stall because leadership teams aren't aligned, aren't operating at their highest and best use, and aren't building the belief required to win. André fixes that. As Chief Experience Officer at LEAD3R and author of the award-winning Wrong Fit, Right Fit, he works with scrappy entrepreneurial founders and CEOs of multi-billion-dollar enterprises to build teams that believe they can achieve more together than any individual could alone — and then prove it. His approach is direct, evidence-based, and built for leaders who need their team to perform now.

LinkedIn

Get André's book Collective Confidence

This episode is supported by the Business Planning Operating System. My 9-module course is built from 30 years of experience as an accountant, giving business owners a simple, one-page 90-day plan they'll actually use. Learn more at thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/focus

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Most business owners have valuable experiences, lessons, and insights to share, but many struggle to communicate them in a way that connects with others. In this episode, Paul Sweeney speaks with communication and storytelling expert Robert Kennedy III about how business owners can uncover their signature story and use it to build trust, credibility, and stronger relationships.

What you'll learn:

• Why everyone has stories worth telling
• The difference between storytelling and simply sharing information
• The Challenge, Catalyst, Change storytelling framework
• The Moment, Meaning, Message framework
• How everyday experiences can become powerful business stories
• Why storytelling helps people understand and trust your business
• The two essential stories every business owner should know

If you've ever felt like your story isn't interesting enough or struggled to explain the value you provide, this episode will give you practical tools to communicate with greater clarity and confidence.

Robert Kennedy III wants to live in a world where people are no longer afraid to confidently tell their stories...and they can also eat Reese's Peanut Butter cups for every meal without any repercussions.

His work as a keynote speaker and trainer in the area of leadership communication has led him to work with organizations such as the US Coast Guard, Barnes & Noble, Social Security Administration, Panda Restaurant Group, AARP, T-Mobile, and UNCF as well as appearances on Fox, CW and other networks.

He is involved in his community through various boards including the school boards, Association for Talent Development Maryland Chapter, youth leadership programs and helping non-profits conduct mock interviews. He is also a professional member of the National Speakers Association.

LinkedIn

YouTube

www.robertkennedy3.me

www.robertkennedy3.com

This episode is supported by the Business Planning Operating System. My 9-module course is built from 30 years of experience as an accountant, giving business owners a simple, one-page 90-day plan they'll actually use. Learn more at thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/focus

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