What if a single $12 ticket could change the entire course of your life? For Don Hutson, that’s exactly what happened. In this episode, he joins Jim Cathcart to share how one unforgettable sales rally sparked his journey from inspired college student to world-class speaker, best-selling author, and one of the founding members of the National Speakers Association. Along the way, Don reveals how seizing opportunities, building meaningful relationships, and learning from the best shaped his rise from humble beginnings to the global stage.

Packed with wisdom and real-world lessons, Don dives into what it truly takes to succeed as a professional expert. From understanding clients’ needs to creating a standout brand and staying adaptable in a changing marketplace, he shares actionable advice for turning passion into a thriving career. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your expertise, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and making your mark.

About the Host:

Jim Cathcart, CSP, CPAE is one of the top 5 most award-winning speakers in the world. His Top 1% TEDx video has over 2.8 million views, his 27 books are translated into multiple languages, including 3 International bestsellers. He is a Certified Virtual Presenter and past National President of the National Speakers Association. Jim’s PBS television programs, podcast appearances and radio shows have reached millions of Success Seekers and he is often retained to advise achievers and their companies.

Even his colleagues, some of the top speakers in the world, have hired Jim to speak at their own events. Jim is an Executive MBA Professor at California Lutheran University School of Management and serves as their first Entrepreneur in Residence. He has been inducted into the Sales & Marketing Hall of Fame in London for his pioneering work with his concept of “Relationship Selling.” He is also in the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame and has received The Cavett Award and The Golden Gavel Award.

Jim has written 27 books, hundreds of articles and he is always writing at least one new book. His most recent book is HI-REV for Small Business, The Faster Way to Profits . Audiences buy his books by the hundreds and he happily adds autograph sessions to his speeches.

https://cathcart.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathcartinstitute/

https://www.facebook.com/jim.cathcart

https://www.youtube.com/user/jimcathcart

Tedx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ki9-oaPwHs

What if your brand wasn’t just what you did—but who you are, out loud? In this episode of, Jim Cathcart with Erik Swanson—aka “Mr. Awesome”— dive into what it really takes to build a thriving, purpose-driven business as a professional expert. They talk mentorship, masterminds, and the intentional strategies that fuel long-term success. From Erik’s early days working with Brian Tracy to launching global speaker networks and high-impact masterminds, you’ll hear what separates charismatic energy from calculated excellence.

Whether you’re a speaker, coach, author, or aspiring thought leader, this candid conversation delivers gold: stories from the road, lessons on building a brand that’s true to you, and a reminder that expertise—when nurtured with integrity and joy—can change the world. Plus, Jim and Erik share how to become a Certified Professional Expert and why proximity to greatness shapes who you become.

About the Host:

Jim Cathcart, CSP, CPAE is one of the top 5 most award-winning speakers in the world. His Top 1% TEDx video has over 2.8 million views, his 27 books are translated into multiple languages, including 3 International bestsellers. He is a Certified Virtual Presenter and past National President of the National Speakers Association. Jim’s PBS television programs, podcast appearances and radio shows have reached millions of Success Seekers and he is often retained to advise achievers and their companies.

Even his colleagues, some of the top speakers in the world, have hired Jim to speak at their own events. Jim is an Executive MBA Professor at California Lutheran University School of Management and serves as their first Entrepreneur in Residence. He has been inducted into the Sales & Marketing Hall of Fame in London for his pioneering work with his concept of “Relationship Selling.” He is also in the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame and has received The Cavett Award and The Golden Gavel Award.

Jim has written 27 books, hundreds of articles and he is always writing at least one new book. His most recent book is HI-REV for Small Business, The Faster Way to Profits . Audiences buy his books by the hundreds and he happily adds autograph sessions to his speeches.

https://cathcart.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathcartinstitute/

https://www.facebook.com/jim.cathcart

https://www.youtube.com/user/jimcathcart

Tedx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ki9-oaPwHs

In this inspiring episode, Dave Kaufman shares his remarkable transformation from growing up on an Amish farm to becoming a renowned business coach and expert. Learn how he built multiple successful companies, mastered the DISC personality assessment, and developed a coaching philosophy centered on helping small businesses find freedom and success. Dave reveals his secrets to professional growth, the importance of serving others, and how becoming an expert in one area can unlock incredible opportunities. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this episode offers powerful insights into building a meaningful and impactful career.

About the Host:

Jim Cathcart, CSP, CPAE is one of the top 5 most award-winning speakers in the world. His Top 1% TEDx video has over 2.8 million views, his 27 books are translated into multiple languages, including 3 International bestsellers. He is a Certified Virtual Presenter and past National President of the National Speakers Association. Jim’s PBS television programs, podcast appearances and radio shows have reached millions of Success Seekers and he is often retained to advise achievers and their companies.

Even his colleagues, some of the top speakers in the world, have hired Jim to speak at their own events. Jim is an Executive MBA Professor at California Lutheran University School of Management and serves as their first Entrepreneur in Residence. He has been inducted into the Sales & Marketing Hall of Fame in London for his pioneering work with his concept of “Relationship Selling.” He is also in the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame and has received The Cavett Award and The Golden Gavel Award.

Jim has written 27 books, hundreds of articles and he is always writing at least one new book. His most recent book is HI-REV for Small Business, The Faster Way to Profits . Audiences buy his books by the hundreds and he happily adds autograph sessions to his speeches.

https://cathcart.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathcartinstitute/

https://www.facebook.com/jim.cathcart

https://www.youtube.com/user/jimcathcart

Tedx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ki9-oaPwHs