Knack 4 Business

Many business owners struggle to grow wealth safely without excessive risk or misguided investments.

Summary:
Today’s guest, Michael Lautru from Parvis, brings over a decade of B2B sales, consulting, and business development expertise. He shares how business owners can craft a secure, diversified investment portfolio—balancing public and private market opportunities while managing risks effectively.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Building a c...

Today’s guest, Chris Cianciulli, founder of My Personal Network, shares his journey from fitness coaching to creating a networking platform built on authentic engagement. Post-COVID, digital networking has exploded—but it often neglects genuine human connection. In this episode, Chris explains why quality always beats quantity. He explores effective, intentional networking and outlines how digital tools can enhance real collaborati...

Today’s guest is Tony K Silver, a LinkedIn powerhouse and creator of the LinkedIn Profile Audit (LIPA). After surviving redundancy in 2009, Tony transformed himself into a multi-award–winning LinkedIn strategist. He shares how he uses the platform's algorithm to generate meaningful engagement, avoid bans, and drive sales.

Tony’s journey from post-red-coat struggle to LinkedIn mastery is packed with tips that anyone—regardless of Lin...

In this episode, we sit down with Garrett Rice, CEO and co-founder of Callings AI, to explore how AI and smart tech are reshaping the way we look for jobs. 

Garrett shares the story behind his company, the common struggles job seekers face today, and proven job hunt strategies—from AI-enhanced networking and resume customization to meaningful engagement with potential employers. Discover practical tools and tips to optimize your job...

Many new and established leaders struggle to inspire teams using traditional control-focused management.

In this episode, Reynald Labelle, a leadership development expert with over 50 years of experience, reveals how to move beyond conventional management. He explains the power of emotional intelligence, building trust, innovation, and personal growth within teams. Through stories and practical examples, Rey shows how transformation...

Confused about Property Condition Assessments and why they matter? This episode clears that up.

In this episode of Property Condition Assessments (Season 3, Episode 005), recorded on October 17, 2023, hosts Fred Crouch and Bernie Franzgrote explore the ins and outs of Property Condition Assessments (PCAs)—or as they’re known in other parts of the world, Building Surveys.

They’re joined by expert guests Matt Fagan (LinkedIn) and Jerem...

Small businesses often struggle to keep up with fast-changing technology and lose time on manual tasks.

In this episode of Knack 4 Business, hosts Bernie Franzgrote and Wayne Pratt welcome Percy Barr from Percy Barr Consultancy to share how artificial intelligence (AI) transforms small businesses.

Percy walks us through AI’s evolution — from its roots in World War II to today’s everyday use — and explains how small businesses can tap...

Many leaders don’t realize they’re causing stress and harm, even when they mean well.

In today’s episode, hosts Bernie Franzgrote (profile) and Wayne Pratt (LinkedIn) sit down with Trevor Bryce Stevenson from ConsciousLead to explore the power of leading with heart.

Trevor shares his journey from growing up on a farm, to traveling across 30 countries, to now coaching leaders on building compassionate workplaces.

He opens up about how...

Many entrepreneurs struggle to stand out, connect with their audience, and turn marketing efforts into real growth.

In this episode, we welcome Mark Hayward, co-founder of Podcast Introduction Group, to explore how podcast guesting can transform your marketing strategy. With nearly 20 years in digital transformation and business growth, Mark explains how being a guest on the right shows helps you reach your ideal audience, build aut...

Helping overwhelmed professionals turn career and business chaos into clear, confident next steps.

In this episode of Knack 4 Business, hosts Bernie Franzgrote and Wayne Pratt welcome Wayne Pratt from Motive8U Inc — a motivational business coach known for helping solopreneurs and career changers gain clarity, discover their unique strengths, and craft authentic business stories that resonate.

Wayne dives into:
✅ How to shift from chao...

Many salespeople dread cold calling — Blaise MacClayne shows how to turn that dread into dollars.

In this episode of Knack 4 Business, hosts Bernie Franzgrote and Wayne Pratt welcome Blaise MacClayne, founder of B MacClayne & Company, a master of high-level appointment setting with nearly 20 years of success.

Blaise shares the top cold calling strategies that helped him bypass gatekeepers, get into key meetings, and generate consiste...

Many leaders struggle with imposter syndrome, poor planning, and stuck creativity — Dr. Casey Jakubowski shows how to break free.

Today’s guest is Dr. Casey Jakubowski, founder of Dragon Tamer and CTJ Solutions. With years of experience helping leaders transform their mindset, Casey dives into how you can beat imposter syndrome, improve your planning, and create a space where your team’s creativity soars.

If you’re a small business o...

Losing precious digital files due to deletion, damage, or cyber threats.

In this episode of Knack 4 Business, hosts Bernie Franzgrote and Wayne Pratt sit down with Andrew Darlow, founder of Andrew Darlow Images International. With over 25 years of experience as a professional photographer, author, and tech coach, Andrew is a trusted guide in helping people protect their most important digital content.

Whether you're just getting star...

The problem: Most business owners struggle to write content that feels both smart and human.

In this episode of Knack 4 Business, we’re joined by Annette Mashi from Write Wizards. Annette shares how blending creativity and logic can help you write powerful content that speaks to your ideal clients—and turns them into loyal customers.

With her background in content strategy and copywriting, Annette walks us through how to:

• Use stor...

Many leaders struggle with clarity, trust, and direction during business growth or change.

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Knack 4 Business, we welcome Brant Lingle from SHV Partners. With over 30 years of experience as a leadership advisor, Brant helps leaders thrive through growth, mergers, and organizational shifts. He offers simple yet powerful ways to strengthen leadership, drive alignment, and guide teams with confidence.

Yo...

Many business leaders struggle to foster a culture of appreciation that drives efficiency and profitability.

In this episode, we welcome Roy Barroso, a seasoned business development strategist with over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate and building maintenance. Roy dives deep into the power of appreciative leadership, revealing how making team members feel genuinely valued can revolutionize workplace efficiency and p...

The Problem Paige Solves: How to build an authentic brand that stands out in a tech-driven, AI-saturated market.

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Paige Arnof-Fenn, the founder and CEO of Mavens and Moguls, to explore the evolving landscape of branding in the age of artificial intelligence. Paige brings decades of experience working with global brands like Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, and successful venture-backed startups....

In this episode of Knack 4 Business, we sit down with Dr. Kieth Deats, founder of Recree8, to explore the journey from chaos to clarity in leadership. With decades of experience leading organizations across continents and sectors, Dr. Deats shares his strategic approach to decision-making amidst economic and political uncertainty.

The Problem Solved:

How leaders can confidently navigate chaos to drive sustainable business growth.

Key ...

Providing food security with dignity and choice for those in need.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Cara-Leigh Wyllie—Executive Director of the Kanata Food Cupboard—to explore how the organization has grown from a referral system in 1985 to a leader in community-based food security. With over two decades of experience in nutrition and dietetics, Cara-Leigh shares the Kanata Food Cupboard's journey towards ensuring every i...