In Episode 260 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Shawn Neels, the resilient and inspiring founder of Plains Equipment Rentals. At just 26, Shawn has built a successful business grounded in grit, values, and relentless personal growth. This episode dives deep into his journey—from overcoming life-altering trauma and confronting mental health through therapy and fitness, to discovering the power of 75 Hard, faith, and routine. Shawn opens up about introversion, entrepreneurship, building his company from a single machine, and learning to lead with purpose. His story is a reminder that even the hardest paths can lead to incredible growth and impact.

Shawn and Kelly also explore the challenges of work-life balance, the trap of self-help overload, and the need for entrepreneurs to both show up for themselves and shut it off when needed. They discuss building brands rooted in authenticity, pushing past comfort zones, and the evolution of business development in today’s world. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or someone looking for a story that moves you to take action, Shawn’s raw and honest insights will stick with you. This episode is a masterclass in rising through pain with purpose.

Key Takeaways:

1. True growth begins when you stop playing the victim and take full ownership of your circumstances—even the painful ones.

2. Discipline, not motivation, is the foundation of lasting success in both business and personal life.

3. The power of routine, like 75 Hard, can rewire your mindset and catapult you forward mentally, physically, and professionally.

4. Entrepreneurship requires you to intentionally create space for rest, reflection, and family—without it, burnout is inevitable.

5. Early mornings without distraction are a secret weapon for creativity, clarity, and momentum.

6. Your business must be built around a clear, authentic value proposition that reflects who you are and how you live.

7. You belong at the table—even when imposter syndrome creeps in. If you’ve earned your seat, own it.

8. Reaching out to others, even with a quick phone call, can radically shift someone's energy and outlook.

9. Investing in your people, like Shawn does with his young employee, creates real growth and long-term loyalty.

10. Success isn't just about building a business—it’s about becoming the kind of person who lifts others as you climb.

Links referenced in this episode:

• capitalbd.ca
• https://www.plainsequipmentrentals.com/

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Plains Equipment Rentals
• Capital Business Development
• North Then West
• Arctic Snow and Ice Products

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Episode 259 of The Business Development Podcast is Part 6 of the Podcast Playbook series, and it’s the game-changer. In this episode, Kelly Kennedy walks listeners through the pivotal moment that separates aspiring podcasters from real ones—recording your first episode. He covers everything from crafting a flexible show plan to choosing a topic you're genuinely excited about, setting up your mic for clean pro-level sound, and building a pre-recording ritual to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Kelly emphasizes that perfection isn’t the goal—authenticity is—and encourages listeners to embrace the mess and just press record.

This episode is packed with powerful mindset shifts and tactical insights, like why you should never stop recording after a mistake, how to use structure without sounding scripted, and how to bring your energy to the mic. From the tech setup to the mental game, Kelly makes it clear that recording your first episode isn’t just a task—it’s a transformation. He closes with a celebration of this major milestone and a teaser for the next episode, where you’ll learn how to take your raw audio and edit it into something you're proud to share with the world.

Key Takeaways:

1. Recording your first episode is more about mindset than tech—confidence beats perfection every time.

2. A flexible show plan with 3–5 main points and supportive subpoints keeps your episode structured but authentic.

3. Always record with a topic that excites you—energy translates into better content.

4. Don’t script every word; speak like you're having a real conversation to build connection and flow.

5. Use transitions between points to guide the listener and keep momentum high.

6. Set your gain levels properly to avoid peaking or under-recording—test before every session.

7. Your recording space matters more than you think—dampen sound with soft surfaces and avoid echo-heavy rooms.

8. Build a pre-recording ritual to overcome nerves and switch into podcasting mode with intention.

9. If you make a mistake, don’t stop—pause, repeat the section, and fix it in post.

10. Your voice, your story, and your perspective are enough—start now and evolve along the way.

👉 Want support on your podcasting journey? Join The Catalyst Club—a private community for business leaders and podcasters with exclusive events, feedback, and growth support. Start building alongside other creators today: www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub

Episode 258 of The Business Development Podcast features the incomparable Chester Elton, globally known as The Apostle of Appreciation. In this electrifying and heartfelt conversation, Chester dives deep into the transformative power of gratitude in leadership, sharing wisdom from his 15 bestselling books, including The Carrot Principle and Leading with Gratitude. He opens up about his personal journey, the core values that shaped his leadership philosophy, and how simple acts of appreciation can shift entire workplace cultures. Chester's storytelling mastery, genuine energy, and practical advice make this a can't-miss episode for anyone serious about leading with impact.

Listeners are treated to real-world strategies for building trust, retaining top talent, and creating psychologically safe teams—all grounded in decades of experience. From the origins of his gratitude journal project to unforgettable lessons from his global work with CEOs and teams, this episode is as inspiring as it is actionable. Whether you're a founder, executive, or aspiring leader, Chester Elton offers a blueprint to lead with heart, elevate your people, and create lasting change through appreciation.

Key Takeaways:

1. Gratitude isn't a soft skill—it's a leadership strategy that drives loyalty, performance, and culture.

2. Recognition doesn't have to be expensive; it has to be specific, timely, and meaningful.

3. The best leaders create safe spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.

4. Culture is built in the little moments—how you show up every day, not just what you say.

5. Leaders who lead with empathy and appreciation outperform those who lead with fear.

6. Consistency in gratitude creates consistency in performance.

7. Storytelling is a superpower in leadership—people remember feelings more than facts.

8. You can’t lead effectively if you don’t understand the emotional drivers of your team.

9. A simple thank-you note can change the trajectory of someone’s career.

10. Legendary leaders don’t just manage—they care, listen, and elevate everyone around them.

🎯 Explore More from Chester Elton

Dive deeper into Chester’s work and connect with the tools that are changing how the world leads:

📘 The Gratitude Journal – Build a daily habit of appreciation

📚 All Books by Chester Elton & Adrian Gostick – Including The Carrot Principle, All In, Anxiety at Work, and more

🌐 The Culture Works – Leadership training, coaching, and speaking

🔗 Connect with Chester Elton on LinkedIn

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If you loved this episode and want more real conversations, expert insights, and behind-the-scenes access to the people shaping business today—The Catalyst Club is where it happens.

🎯 Network with entrepreneurs, executives, and business developers

🎤 Get invites to private events, live sessions, and workshops each month

📈 Access exclusive coaching, resources, and growth tools

🪩 All for just $29/month. No obligation. Real results.

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