The MillionaireByMorning‘s Podcast

The Hidden Cost of Ego in Leadership & Hiring — 35 Years of Executive Insight with John Long

In this episode of the Millionaire by Morning Podcast, host Rashad Thirlkill sits down with John Long, a senior executive, management consultant, and executive search advisor with over 35 years of experience in the retail and leadership space. John has spent his career helping organizations identify and hire the right leaders to drive innovation, growth, and long-term performance. In this conversation, we explore: Why ego is the silent killer in senior hiring decisions How great leaders evaluate talent beyond resumes and pedigree The leadership traits required to lead through disruption and growth What Gen X leaders need to know as they reinvent their careers and influence A preview of John’s upcoming book, “Hire Without Ego” (releasing early 2026) This episode is a must-listen for: CEOs, founders, and senior executives HR leaders and hiring managers Gen X professionals navigating leadership reinvention Entrepreneurs building teams that scale with integrity About the Guest: John Long has spent 35+ years as a senior executive, management consultant, and executive search advisor. He is an expert in identifying the leadership required to drive innovation and growth. His new book, Hire Without Ego, provides a practical framework to help companies dramatically improve senior hiring decisions. About the Host: Rashad Thirlkill is the creator of Millionaire by Morning, a platform dedicated to helping Gen X leaders navigate leadership, entrepreneurship, career reinvention, wealth-building, and legacy creation. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, reinvention, and building a meaningful legacy. 👉 Share this episode with a leader who’s responsible for hiring and building teams. #MillionaireByMorning #RashadThirlkill #JohnLong #HireWithoutEgo #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveLeadership #HiringLeaders #SeniorHiring #LeadershipReinvention #GenXLeadership #CareerReinvention #MidlifeLeadership #InnovationAndGrowth #ExecutiveSearch #EntrepreneurMindset #BuildingGreatTeams #LeadershipPodcast

Leaders Aren’t Born, They’re Developed | Jim Carlough on Building High-Performing Teams

What does it really take to become an effective leader in today’s fast-changing world? 00:00 – Introduction: Welcome to Millionaire by Morning 01:15 – Meet Jim Carlough: 30 Years of Leadership Experience 03:45 – From Start-Ups to Industry Leaders: Jim’s Career Journey 07:10 – Leaders Aren’t Born, They’re Developed: Breaking the Leadership Myth 10:05 – Why Most Leadership Training Fails 13:30 – The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership Explained 18:20 – Building High-Performing Teams in Complex Organizations 22:45 – Revitalizing Underperforming Businesses 27:10 – Leading Through Transformational Change 31:40 – Mentorship, Experience, and Intentional Growth 36:15 – Advice for Gen X Leaders Navigating Reinvention 40:05 – Creating a Leadership Legacy 44:30 – Jim’s Book: The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership 47:50 – Final Thoughts: Becoming the Leader You’re Capable Of 50:00 – Closing & How to Connect with Jim Carlough In this episode of the Millionaire by Morning Podcast, host Rashad Thirlkill sits down with leadership expert, strategist, and best-selling author Jim Carlough to unpack the truth behind one powerful idea: Leaders aren’t born — they’re developed. With over 30 years of leadership experience, Jim has driven explosive growth for healthcare organizations ranging from start-ups to industry leaders. He shares hard-earned insights on: Building high-performing teams Revitalizing underperforming organizations Leading through transformational change Developing leadership as a learnable skill Jim also breaks down the core ideas from his best-selling book, The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership: A Roadmap to Success, and explains how leaders at any stage can intentionally grow through experience, mentorship, and disciplined practice. This conversation is especially for Gen X leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals navigating career reinvention, organizational leadership, and legacy creation. 🎧 Listen, learn, and lead better — by morning.

How to Master Mental Performance & Reinvent Yourself at Midlife | Kam Knight

In this powerful episode of the Millionaire by Morning Podcast, host Rashad Thirlkill sits down with Kam Knight — internationally renowned coach, speaker, and bestselling author of over a dozen books on mental, emotional, and physical performance. Kam is known for delivering fresh, unconventional insights that challenge traditional thinking and redefine what peak performance really means. His work has become the gold standard in multiple disciplines and has helped over 500,000 people elevate their focus, resilience, and leadership. In this conversation, we explore: How to sharpen mental performance in high-stakes leadership and entrepreneurship Why midlife is the most powerful season for reinvention The mindset shifts required to transition from success to fulfillment How unconventional thinking creates extraordinary results Lessons from traveling to 100+ countries and coaching at the highest levels This episode is a must-listen for Gen X leaders, entrepreneurs, and high performers who are navigating reinvention, building legacy, and designing a more fulfilling next chapter. 🎙️ Hosted by Rashad Thirlkill Founder of Millionaire by Morning — helping Gen X leaders become creatives, build wealth, and leave a legacy in the digital and AI-driven world. #MillionaireByMorning #RashadThirlkill #KamKnight #MentalPerformance #HighPerformance #LeadershipReinvention #MidlifeReinvention #GenXLeaders #EntrepreneurMindset #PeakPerformance #PersonalDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #LegacyBuilding #MindsetMatters #HighAchievers

How to Buy Back 10–20 Hours a Week Without Losing Your Business George Rivera on Time & Wealth

In this powerful episode of the Millionaire by Morning Podcast, host Rashad Thirlkill sits down with George Rivera — father-first founder and creator of the Buy Back Time Formula. Over the last 30 years, George built and scaled ventures in direct response marketing, ecommerce, real estate, and coaching — helping generate hundreds of millions in online sales. But at the height of his success, a costly $300,000 mistake forced a hard realization: He was winning in business… and losing where it mattered most — time with his family. That wake-up moment led George to redesign how he builds and leads companies around: Faith Family Time freedom Real systems and owner independence Today, he helps 7–8 figure, cash-rich but time-poor entrepreneurs buy back 10–20 hours a week, install true leadership teams, and turn their businesses into engines for both wealth and a life worth waking up to. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why most successful founders are secretly trapped by their own companies The real cost of scaling without systems How to reclaim your time without sacrificing growth What “father-first leadership” actually looks like in practice If you’re a Gen X leader, entrepreneur, or executive navigating reinvention, legacy, and wealth-building with purpose — this conversation is for you. 🎧 Subscribe to Millionaire by Morning for weekly conversations on leadership, entrepreneurship, reinvention, and legacy. #MillionaireByMorning #RashadThirlkill #GeorgeRivera #BuyBackTime

From $6 Billion in Sales to Scaling Smarter: Scott Finkelstein on AI, Sales & Building Elite Teams

In this powerful episode of Millionaire By Morning, host Rashad Thirlkill sits down with sales legend, AI expert, and Sales Scalers founder Scott Finkelstein to break down what it truly takes to scale sales in today’s fast-changing business world. With over 30 years of experience and more than $6 Billion closed in new sales, Scott reveals how entrepreneurs and small business owners can consistently fill their pipeline, build high-performing sales teams, and grow smarter using a unique blend of personal development, AI, and proprietary sales systems. You’ll discover: 🔥 How Scott helps businesses scale to seven figures within 24 months 🤖 How AI is transforming sales and marketing 📈 The biggest mistakes business owners make when trying to grow 🧠 Why mindset and personal development are critical for revenue 🚀 How to build a scalable, predictable sales engine Scott’s mission is to democratize elite-level sales knowledge once reserved only for big brands—and in this episode, he delivers actionable insights you can start using today. Whether you're an entrepreneur, sales professional, or business owner ready to scale, this episode is a must-watch.

From Trauma to Transformation: Healing, Stillness & Soul Awakening with Andrea L. Wehlann

In this powerful and soul-stirring episode of Millionaire By Morning, host Rashad Thirlkill sits down with Andrea L. Wehlann—bestselling author, award-winning poet, and transformational guide—for an intimate conversation on healing, resilience, and awakening the soul.

Andrea is the Founder & CEO of Ganga Moon Yoga & Reiki Skool in Ontario, Canada, and a certified Usui Reiki Master, meditation teacher, and healing arts educator. Drawing from her background in psychology, social services, and lived experience overcoming profound loss, abuse, and trauma, Andrea shares how inner stillness becomes a gateway to true freedom and fulfillment.

Together, Rashad and Andrea explore:

✨ Turning pain into purpose

✨ The power of poetry, somatics, and spiritual practice in healing

✨ Navigating overwhelm and emotional burnout

✨ Cultivating inner peace while building a meaningful life

✨ Andrea’s Healing Alchemy: Somatic, Yoga & Poetry, Soul Awakening Method™

Andrea also discusses her bestselling works, including No Matter How Dark the Stain, Deeper Days, and Stillness in the Storm, offering insights for anyone seeking emotional clarity, spiritual growth, and aligned success. This episode is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, creatives, and seekers ready to heal deeply, live intentionally, and rise into their highest self—before morning turns into momentum.

🔔 Subscribe, like, and share to stay inspired and empowered on your journey to inner and outer wealth.

Building a 7-Figure Video Agency with AI & Systems ft. David Feinman

In this episode of Millionaire By Morning, host Rashad Thirlkill sits down with David Feinman, Co-Founder & CEO of Viral Ideas, the Philadelphia-based productized video-editing agency helping brands like eBay and Johnson & Johnson turn raw footage into scroll-stopping content—fast.

David breaks down his entrepreneurial journey from organizing a community half-marathon in high school to launching The Zombie Run, one of the first nationwide gamified 5K races, and ultimately building Viral Ideas into a thriving global operation powered by systems, AI-enhanced workflows, and repeatable storytelling. 🎙️

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How David scaled a creative service into a 7-figure agency
• Why systems and process matter more than raw talent
• How AI is changing video production and creative businesses
• The difference between artful storytelling and scalable storytelling Lessons from hosting his own podcast, “What It Takes”
• How acquiring complementary agencies fuels long-term growth

A 6X Ironman, lifelong Philadelphian, and champion of continuous learning, David shares how pairing human imagination with cutting-edge technology allows big ideas to spread faster—and farther—than ever before.

👉 If you’re an entrepreneur, creative founder, or agency owner looking to scale without sacrificing quality, this episode is a must-watch.

Subscribe to Millionaire By Morning for more real conversations on building wealth, systems, and success—before the day even starts. 💼🚀

The Culture of Burnout: How Leaders Can Build Wealth Without Exhaustion | Dr. Kristen Donnelly

What if burnout isn’t a personal failure—but a cultural one? On this episode of Millionaire By Morning, host Rashad Thirlkill sits down with Dr. Kristen Donnelly (MSW, M.Div, PhD)—award-winning researcher, 4x TEDx speaker, international educator, and co-author of the bestselling book The Culture of Burnout: Why Your Exhaustion Is Not Your Fault.

Kristen is the COO of Abbey Companies, Founder of Abbey Research, and a nationally recognized voice on leadership, generational collaboration, and sustainable success. Recently named to the 2025 Who’s Who of Notable Americans and previously nominated as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year, she brings deep insight into how organizations, leaders, and high achievers can redefine productivity without sacrificing well-being.

In this powerful conversation, Rashad and Kristen explore:

• Why burnout is embedded in modern work culture—not individual weakness
• How leaders can build wealth, impact, and longevity without exhaustion The hidden gifts each generation brings to leadership and innovation
• What sustainable success really looks like in business and life
• How culture change begins at the top Kristen is also a passionate advocate for education and food equity, serving on multiple nonprofit boards and helping launch organizations that drive real-world change.

And yes—she’s an unapologetic nerd for stories of transformation. If you’re building wealth, leading teams, or striving for success without burning out, this episode will change how you think about work, leadership, and legacy. 👉

Subscribe to Millionaire By Morning for weekly conversations on mindset, money, leadership, and living intentionally.

How to Build a Million-Dollar Business Without Burnout | Andrew Grinbaum

What if scaling to millions didn’t require stress, exhaustion, or sacrificing your purpose?

In this powerful episode of Millionaire By Morning, host Rashad Thirlkill sits down with Andrew Grinbaum—5x entrepreneur, MBA professor, and ICF-certified coach—who reveals how elite leaders are building multimillion-dollar businesses while working less and living more.

Andrew has scaled multiple companies to multimillion-dollar levels and coached over 4,000 leaders, including Fortune 500 executives and 7- and 8-figure CEOs. As the founder of SpiritualBiz.org and Best Virtual Staff, he helps entrepreneurs create owner-independent companies, reclaim their time, and align their business with meaning, clarity, and impact.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to scale a business without burning out

• The power of mindfulness and meditation in high-level leadership

• How to build a company that runs without you

• Why soul-aligned strategy creates more profit and peace

• The mindset shift from hustle to sustainable wealth

This conversation is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, CEOs, and high performers who want financial freedom and fulfillment—without grinding themselves into the ground.

🔥 Work less. Earn more. Lead with purpose.

Subscribe to Millionaire By Morning for weekly conversations on wealth, mindset, and building a legacy that lasts.

How to Increase Revenue 25%+ While Spending LESS on Marketing ft. Mark “Mr. Marketing” Newsome

What if you could increase your revenue by 25% or more—without pouring more money into expensive ads?

On this episode of Millionaire By Morning, host Rashad Thirlkill sits down with marketing strategist Mark Newsome, better known as “Mr. Marketing.” Mark reveals how savvy retail business owners and service providers are scaling faster, converting better, and spending less on marketing—often in 90 days or less.

Mark specializes in helping business owners fix the exact problems that quietly kill profits, including:

✅ Underutilized or “dead” assets that aren’t making money
✅ Weak or inconsistent referral systems
✅ Low-converting ad copy and targeting
✅ Lack of repeat customers
✅ Expensive traditional advertising with terrible conversion rates

During this conversation, Mark breaks down his proven 4-step (plus) marketing framework designed to dramatically lower front-end marketing costs while increasing conversion rates and customer lifetime value:

🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How to audit your current marketing assets for hidden profit opportunities

• How to identify and eliminate bottlenecks using past campaign data

• How to optimize written ad campaigns for higher profitability

• How to align your marketing budget with the real lifetime value (LTV) of your customers

• How to keep customers engaged in your “community” 25–75% longer

• How to increase LTV and conversions while reducing total marketing spend

📈 Real Results Mark Has Delivered

• Client #1: Scaled from $0 to $1,000,000 in revenue in just 7 months

• Client #2: Achieved a 300% increase in ROAS after ad optimization

• Client #3: Increased gross profits by 25% and secured Mark a speaking spot at an industry event with 1,500 attendees

If you’re a retail business owner or service provider who wants bankable marketing results—faster—without wasting money, this episode is a must-watch.