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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In Episode 257 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy delivers Part 5 of the Podcast Playbook series, focused on choosing the right hosting and recording tools to launch, grow, and monetize your podcast. He breaks down the often-confusing world of podcast technology, sharing hard-earned insights from producing over 250 episodes. Kelly offers a detailed, no-fluff comparison of the top hosting platforms—including Captivate, Buzzsprout, and Libsyn—emphasizing the importance of selecting a tool that fits both your current needs and long-term growth. He also highlights why a proper hosting platform is the backbone of your show, how AI tools are reshaping the landscape, and why podcast websites are essential for brand control.

Shifting into recording software, Kelly outlines a comprehensive list of both AI-driven and manual options—from Descript and Adobe Podcast to Riverside.fm and Adobe Audition—giving creators the flexibility to choose tools that align with their workflow and technical comfort. He stresses that there is no perfect solution, only the one that works best for your goals and process. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned podcaster, this episode is packed with clarity, guidance, and behind-the-scenes wisdom to help you avoid the common tech pitfalls and set yourself up for long-term success. Part 6 will cover stepping up to the mic with confidence—mindset, planning, and recording your first episode.

Key Takeaways:

1. Your hosting platform is the backbone of your podcast—it stores your content, distributes it, and tracks your analytics.

2. Don’t chase the cheapest or flashiest hosting option—choose one that matches your growth goals and workflow.

3. All hosting platforms work... until they don’t. Expect to pivot as your show evolves, and that’s completely normal.

4. AI tools in podcast hosting can save hours per week by auto-generating titles, show notes, and audiograms—use them.

5. Your podcast website matters—it’s your show’s digital home and a platform you actually control.

6. There’s no best recording software—only the best one for your comfort level, tech skills, and editing style.

7. Platforms like Descript, Alitu, and Adobe Podcast simplify editing and cleanup using AI for those new to audio production.

8. Tools like Riverside.fm and Squadcast offer pro-level remote recording with local audio that avoids internet issues.

9. Manual editing in Adobe Audition or Audacity gives unmatched control for creators who want to master their sound.

10. Podcasting is an iterative process—set yourself up for long-term success by thinking beyond your first episode.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Capital Business Development
• Captivate FM
• Buzzsprout
• Transistor
• Libsyn
• Podbean
• Spotify
• rss.com
• RedCircle
• CoHost
• Simplecast
• Megaphone
• PodPage
• PodcastPage IO
• Descript
• Alitu
• Adobe Podcast
• Podcastle
• Clean Voice AI
• Adobe Audition
• Riverside.fm
• Squadcast
• Zencast
• Audacity
• GarageBand

Links referenced in this episode:

• capitalbd.ca
• kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub

In Episode 256 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly welcomes back mindset and performance coach Ben Spangl for a powerful conversation about redefining success and reclaiming freedom now—not someday. Together, they dive deep into the entrepreneurial rollercoaster, unpacking the burnout, emotional resistance, and false beliefs that keep high performers stuck in overdrive. Ben shares how he rebuilt his life after burning out, why the “sacrifice now, live later” mindset is broken, and how business owners can start designing a joyful life today without slowing their growth.

From learning to delegate and use your time more effectively, to recognizing when you're chasing validation instead of fulfillment, this episode is a wake-up call for entrepreneurs who are grinding without joy. Whether you're building a coaching business, running a podcast, or scaling a startup, Ben’s wisdom will challenge your assumptions and give you practical steps to realign with the life you set out to create in the first place. If you’ve ever wondered whether freedom and success can co-exist—this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

1. True freedom isn’t found later—it’s something you can build into your life today.

2. Most entrepreneurs confuse flexibility with freedom and end up designing their own prison.

3. Burnout is often the byproduct of believing your business will only grow if you suffer.

4. Delegating, automating, or deleting tasks is essential if you want to scale *and* breathe.

5. Joy isn’t a distraction from growth—it’s the fuel that makes sustained success possible.

6. Reclaiming time for things you love actually increases creativity, energy, and productivity.

7. Success that costs you everything else is not success—it’s imbalance.

8. Fear shows up in resistance—naming it breaks its grip so you can move forward anyway.

9. Mastery of your craft is what earns you freedom, but mindset is what protects it.

10. You don’t need to wait until you hit your goals to live well—you can start right now.

Looking for conversations that actually move the needle? Join The Catalyst Club at www.kellykennedyofficial.com—where real entrepreneurs get real support.

In Episode 255 of The Business Development Podcast, we bring you Part 4 of the Podcast Playbook series, diving deep into the strategy behind building a podcast that lasts. This episode is all about locking in your release schedule, choosing a format that fits your energy and goals, and creating a 50-episode content plan that keeps you consistent and confident. Whether you're going solo, interviewing guests, or co-hosting, you’ll learn how to structure your show for long-term sustainability—without burning out or losing momentum.

From mastering episode length to understanding how algorithms reward consistency, Part 4 arms you with the tools to build a show that grows with you. You’ll walk away with a clear roadmap, a vault of episode ideas, and the strategy to turn your podcast into a high-performing content engine. This is the part where your podcast shifts from idea to institution—and it starts by planning to win.

Key Takeaways:

1. Your podcast release schedule is the engine behind long-term growth—pick one that fits your life, not just your ambition.

2. Consistency beats intensity in podcasting—showing up every week matters more than big bursts of content.

3. Weekly is the industry standard for a reason—it builds audience habits and keeps you top of mind and algorithm-friendly.

4. Format is everything—solo, guest, co-hosted, or hybrid shows each have strengths, but it must match your creative flow.

5. Hybrid formats give you the best of both worlds—solo authority and guest reach, with maximum flexibility.

6. Episode length should serve the format—shorter for solo and daily tips, longer for interviews and deep dives.

7. Don’t wing your content—build a 50-episode idea vault so you’re never stuck wondering what to talk about.

8. Group your ideas into content pillars—it keeps your message sharp and helps avoid weekly decision fatigue.

9. Burnout kills great podcasts—choose a schedule and format you’ll actually enjoy showing up for.

10. A solid plan isn’t just for launch—it’s the difference between a podcast that fades and one that lasts for years.

If this episode hit home, come join The Catalyst Club—my private community for podcasters, entrepreneurs, and business leaders building with purpose. Weekly events, real conversations, and support from people who get it. Join us at kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub.

In Episode 254 of The Business Development Podcast, we sit down with Kapil Kalra, the passionate force behind Naturemary and a powerhouse in the world of natural wellness. Kapil opens up about his early days working in his family’s grocery store in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and how those humble beginnings shaped his unshakable work ethic. From selling electronics to launching a national wellness brand, Kapil’s journey is packed with gritty determination, unfiltered lessons, and the relentless belief that heart and hustle can take you anywhere.

This episode dives deep into the emotional and entrepreneurial rollercoaster of building something that matters—from overcoming rejection and burnout to building partnerships and scaling a mission-driven brand. Kapil shares how Naturemary was born out of family healing, the lessons he’s learned about team, branding, and momentum, and why purpose is more important than ever in today’s business world. If you’re building with heart, this one’s for you.

Key takeaways:

1. Success often begins with a simple intention to help someone, not a perfectly laid-out business plan.

2. When you build a brand from a place of heart and purpose, it resonates far deeper than just features or pricing.

3. Rejection doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path—it often means you’re being redirected to a better one.

4. Some of the most powerful businesses are born from solving a real, personal problem you deeply care about.

5. Choosing the right business partner means finding someone whose strengths cover your blind spots—and vice versa.

6. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect—clarity and momentum come through taking action, not overthinking.

7. Working nonstop might feel productive at first, but without rest and balance, burnout will eventually catch up to you.

8. When your brand voice is honest and real, you attract customers who genuinely believe in what you’re doing.

9. Burnout isn’t always from doing too much—it’s often a sign you’ve lost touch with why you started in the first place.

10. Passion is a great spark, but pairing it with relentless effort is what actually builds something worth talking about.

Links referenced in this episode:

• capitalbd.ca
• naturemary.com
• kellykennedyofficial.com

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In Episode 253 of The Business Development Podcast, we dive into Part 3 of the Podcast Playbook and walk you through how to build a podcast brand that captures attention and drives growth. From naming your show with clarity and SEO in mind to designing high-impact cover art and creating intros and outros that set the tone, this episode is packed with tactical advice to help you stand out. Kelly Kennedy shares how getting the name right from day one can make or break discoverability, why securing your domain early is critical, and how to align your podcast’s visuals and tone with your target audience and long-term goals.

Whether you're starting from scratch or refining your show’s identity, this episode gives you the tools to create a podcast brand that not only looks and sounds professional but connects deeply with the people you're trying to reach. Kelly also shares personal lessons from launching The Business Development Podcast and Authentic Hustle, offering real-world insight into what works and what doesn’t when building a show that resonates. If you're serious about launching a podcast that gets noticed—this is the one you can't miss.

Key Takeaways:

1. Passion drives consistency if you don’t love your topic, your audience won’t either.

2. Commit to 100 episodes from day one if you want to compete with the best.

3. Define your ideal listener so every episode speaks directly to their needs.

4. Deliver transformation in every episode by educating, inspiring, or entertaining with purpose.

5. Choose a format that fits your strengths whether solo, guest, or hybrid, and evolve as you grow.

6. Your voice is your greatest advantage because authenticity beats imitation every time.

7. Clear, searchable names outperform clever titles by making your value obvious.

8. Secure the .com for your podcast name to protect your brand and boost discoverability.

9. Your cover art is your first impression so keep it bold, simple, and mobile-friendly.

10. Craft a strong intro and outro because they define your tone and make your show memorable.

🔥 Join the Catalyst Club and connect with founders, leaders, and business developers who get it. Weekly live events, expert sessions, and real support—all for just $29/month. Let’s grow together at www.kellykennedyofficial.com.

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