In episode 247 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy gets real about something every high performer faces but rarely talks about: overwhelm. Sharing his own packed calendar and the pressure to juggle it all, Kelly walks listeners through why we end up so overloaded, the habits that make it worse, and how to take back control without burning out. He reminds us that saying no, protecting our time, and focusing on what truly moves the needle can turn chaos into progress and help us show up as better leaders, partners, and people.

This episode is both a reality check and a permission slip to slow down and breathe. Kelly lays out seven practical ways to break the cycle of overwhelm, from building a simple weekly Move the Needle list to creating breathing room in your calendar and learning to say “not right now” instead of always saying yes. He closes by inviting listeners to find support and community inside The Catalyst Club, where like-minded leaders lift each other up. If your to-do list feels impossible, this episode is the reset you didn’t know you needed.

Key Takeaways:

1. Overwhelm is often self-created by high performers who say yes too often and overestimate their capacity.

2. Action in the right direction matters more than doing everything perfectly or all at once.

3. Building structure and planning tasks in a calendar helps prevent chaos and burnout.

4. A simple weekly Move the Needle list keeps you focused on true priorities, not just busy work.

5. Adding realistic buffers to your schedule protects you from unexpected curveballs.

6. Saying “not right now” is a powerful skill to protect your energy without burning bridges.

7. Focused, uninterrupted work blocks outperform scattered multitasking every time.

8. Protecting rest time—your evenings, weekends, and sleep—makes you more effective in the long run.

9. Asking for help and delegating isn’t weakness; it lightens the load and builds community.

10. Regularly reviewing what works and what doesn’t keeps you from repeating the same overwhelm cycle.

✨ Join The Catalyst Club – You Belong Here

If this episode hit home, you're exactly who The Catalyst Club was built for. This is more than a community — it's your support system, your strategy hub, and your space to grow without burning out.

Inside, you'll find:

1. Weekly live workshops, coaching, and Q&A
2. A network of high-performance founders, business developers, and leaders who get it
3. Tools, templates, and systems to build real momentum
4. Encouragement, community, accountability, and clarity when you need it most

You don’t have to do business development alone — and you don’t have to keep pretending everything’s fine when it isn’t.

You belong here.

Let’s build something sustainable, powerful, and built to last.

🔗 Join us inside The Catalyst Club:

www.kellykennedyofficial.com/TheCatalystClub

In Episode 246 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly sits down with renowned sales educator Josh Braun to dismantle outdated selling tactics and replace them with something far more human — sorting, not selling. Josh shares how the best salespeople detach from the outcome, ask smarter questions, and guide prospects to discover the truth for themselves, building trust every step of the way. From his early days as a teacher to shaping sales teams at top tech firms, Josh’s approach proves you don’t need pressure or pushiness to win real business.

If you’re tired of forced pitches and awkward closing lines, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about selling. Learn how to poke the bear, uncover genuine problems, and decide who’s truly worth your time — all while staying true to yourself and your customer. This episode is a masterclass in authentic, outcome-free selling you’ll want to revisit again and again.

In Episode 245 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy dismantles the toxic belief that suffering is required for success. If you’ve been grinding endlessly, sacrificing your peace for performance, this episode is your wake-up call. Kelly reveals how the real wins in business development come not from burnout, but from clarity, calm, and consistent execution. Through personal stories, industry truths, and sharp insights, he shows you how to break free from the hustle trap and still hit your biggest revenue goals.

This is not just motivation — it’s a new blueprint for high-performance business development without self-destruction. Kelly walks you through sustainable habits, powerful mindset shifts, and the exact math behind building a stress-free, scalable strategy. If you’re a founder, executive, or business developer ready to stop burning out and start building smarter, Episode 245 will change how you show up, sell, and succeed.

Key Takeaways:

1. Burnout is not a badge of honor — it’s a warning sign that your business development process needs a serious shift.

2. You don’t need more hours; you need better systems. Success comes from clarity, not chaos.

3. Rest is not a reward — it’s a requirement for long-term performance, creativity, and consistency in BD.

4. Meetings are the metric that matter most. Revenue is built by reverse-engineering how many qualified meetings you need each month.

5. Stress is not proof of progress. Chronic stress kills decision-making, momentum, and client relationships.

6. Business development is a long game, and calm confidence outperforms frantic hustle every time.

7. Track weekly wins, not just closed deals. Progress momentum builds consistency and fuels confidence.

8. Daily mindset resets and weekly planning are your secret weapons. Use tools like the “Move the Needle” list to stay aligned and focused.

9. Boundaries protect your value. You’re worth more when you’re focused, not constantly reactive.

10. The best business developers work from vision, not fear. When you understand your metrics, the pressure turns into a plan — and peace follows.

✨ Join The Catalyst Club – You Belong Here

If this episode hit home, you're exactly who The Catalyst Club was built for. This is more than a community — it's your support system, your strategy hub, and your space to grow without burning out.

Inside, you'll find:

• Weekly live workshops, coaching, and Q&A
• A network of high-performance founders, business developers, and leaders who get it
• Tools, templates, and systems to build real momentum
• Encouragement, community, accountability, and clarity when you need it most

You don’t have to do business development alone — and you don’t have to keep pretending everything’s fine when it isn’t.

You belong here.

Let’s build something sustainable, powerful, and built to last.

🔗 Join us inside The Catalyst Club:

www.kellykennedyofficial.com/TheCatalystClub

In Episode 244, Kelly Kennedy welcomes back powerhouse entrepreneur and Built to Lead podcast host Jory Evans for a bold conversation that challenges conventional business thinking. Jory shares how he scaled Evans Trucking from a single unit into a diversified empire with over 100 trucks, a heavy-duty mechanic shop, and a construction company — all rooted in disciplined leadership and a values-driven approach. But the real gold? Jory reveals why buying a business can be a smarter, faster path to success than starting from scratch — and how he’s leveraging acquisitions to scale even further.

This episode dives deep into the mindset, discipline, and execution required to grow during downturns, navigate economic pressure, and turn chaos into momentum. Jory breaks down the realities of vendor financing, why most self-help never gets applied, and the critical difference between learning and doing. If you’ve ever considered acquiring a business or want to understand what real growth looks like in 2025, this is a must-listen conversation packed with actionable insight.

Key Takeaways:

1. Buying a business can be less risky and more strategic than starting one from scratch, especially in a buyer’s market with aging business owners looking to exit.

2. Execution matters more than information — most people consume self-help and business content but never apply it. Discipline and follow-through are what create real growth.

3. Vendor financing is a powerful acquisition tool, allowing buyers to structure win-win deals while keeping sellers invested in the business's success post-sale.

4. Writing things down is the first step to execution — it turns ideas into actions and creates lasting momentum.

5. Your business will never outgrow you as a leader — personal development and intentional growth are essential if you want your company to scale.

6. Downturns are the best time to grow — while others pull back, leaning in with momentum and clarity can position you to dominate when the market rebounds.

7. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel — acquiring a business with proven systems, clients, and revenue is often a smarter path than starting from zero.

8. Carbon tax and government policy have a direct and devastating impact on logistics and food costs, and leaders must understand how these forces affect their industry.

9. The fastest growth happens when you combine operational experience with strategic insight — knowing your numbers, your levers, and your people is non-negotiable.

10. You must evaluate every acquisition based on synergy, upside, and culture — if it doesn’t align with your values or offer true value-add, walk away.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Evans Trucking
• Built to Lead
• Capital Business Development

To explore upcoming business development courses, one-on-one coaching opportunities, and to join our private community of entrepreneurs, business developers, and growth-focused leaders — visit kellykennedyofficial.com. Inside, you'll find access to The Catalyst Club, our exclusive members-only private network where we connect, collaborate, and grow together through live events, coaching, and powerful peer support. Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills or scale your business, this is where serious builders come to win.

In Episode 243 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy tackles one of the most universal yet misunderstood forces in business: fear. From the early days of launching the podcast to working with founders, CEOs, and business developers around the world, Kelly shares how fear isn't a weakness—it's often the clearest sign you're stepping into growth. He breaks down the ten most common fear triggers in the modern world, from visibility pressure to comparison culture, and reframes them as signals that you're on the right path.

This episode is more than just mindset—it's a tactical playbook for turning fear into forward motion. Kelly lays out seven practical strategies to use fear as rocket fuel, including naming it, breaking it down, and surrounding yourself with momentum. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or doubting your next big move, this is your reminder that the presence of fear means you're close to something meaningful. Hit play, lean in, and let’s turn fear into fuel.

Key Takeaways:

1. Fear isn’t a stop sign—it’s a signal that you’re moving toward something meaningful.

2. The presence of fear often means you deeply care about the outcome—use that energy.

3. In the modern world, fear is less about survival and more about visibility, relevance, and responsibility.

4. Everyone—from Fortune 500 CEOs to solo founders—faces fear; it’s part of the path.

5. Fear thrives in uncertainty—breaking goals into smaller steps makes them manageable.

6. Writing down your fears helps disarm them and gives you clarity on your next move.

7. Surrounding yourself with momentum and supportive people shrinks fear dramatically.

8. You don’t need to be ready—you just need to take action. Confidence comes after.

9. Fear often shows up right before your biggest breakthroughs—don’t shrink from it.

10. You grow the most when you choose to move forward while carrying the fear with you.

Want to go further, faster? Explore Kelly’s coaching programs and join The Catalyst Club—your hub for support, strategy, and serious growth. www.kellykennedyofficial.com

In this episode of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly sits down with Alex Blumenstein, co-founder of The Peak and former CEO of Canada’s first cannabis accelerator, Leaf Forward. From politics to print, cannabis to comedy, Alex has never been afraid to pivot—and his approach to business is anything but traditional. Together, they unpack what it really means to build a company with the end in mind and why emotional detachment might be the most underrated tool in an entrepreneur’s arsenal.

Alex shares the behind-the-scenes story of building The Peak into Canada’s fastest-growing business news outlet and how he and his co-founders designed it from day one to be sold. They dive into the truth about exits, navigating partnership dynamics, and how to stay grounded when things get messy. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a company you can walk away from without losing yourself, this conversation is your blueprint.

Key Takeaways:

1. Build your business with an exit in mind from day one so you can make strategic decisions without emotional attachment.

2. Emotional detachment leads to better outcomes—you’ll sell smarter, manage conflict better, and protect your peace.

3. If you’re grinding 24/7, your model might be broken—great businesses flow when the foundation is right.

4. Long-term partnerships work when you align early, share values, and trust each other to lead in different seasons.

5. Entrepreneurship isn’t better than a job—it’s just a different path with higher risks and different freedoms.

6. Treat media like a product—iterate fast, prioritize clarity, and always serve your audience first.

7. The best ad sales come from understanding the buyer’s goals and positioning your platform as the solution.

8. If you can survive failure with your partners, you can build something great with them too.

9. Great partnerships are built on mutual respect and decision-making, not control or ego.

10. Selling your business isn’t the end—it’s a gateway to more freedom, credibility, and new opportunities.

Explore The Catalyst Club and Kelly Kennedy's business development coaching programs at:

www.kellykennedyofficial.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• The Peak
• Zoomer Media
• Leaf Forward
• Capital Business Development
• atWork Office Furniture
• Gong
• Bet on Canada

In Episode 241 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy breaks down one of the biggest barriers to entrepreneurial success: inaction. Whether it's fear of failure, perfectionism, overwhelm, or the silent weight of self-doubt, too many incredible ideas never make it past the thinking phase. Kelly shares raw personal reflections from his own journey — including the highs, the lows, and the messy middle — to remind you that success isn’t built on brilliance alone, it’s built by those who take action despite the fear.

This episode isn’t just motivation — it’s a roadmap. You’ll uncover the real reasons you might be feeling stuck and walk away with 15 powerful strategies to move forward today, not someday. Plus, for those ready to stop doing it alone, Kelly introduces The Catalyst Club — a private, values-driven business community built to support entrepreneurs, business developers, and action-takers just like you. If you’ve been sitting on an idea, this is your invitation to start messy, start scared, but just start.

Key Takeaways:

1. Action is the bridge between dreaming and achieving – Ideas are common; execution is what turns them into reality.

2. Fear of failure is normal — but it's just feedback – Every failure moves you one step closer to success through iteration.

3. Perfection is procrastination in disguise – Waiting for the perfect plan will keep you stuck. Momentum beats perfection every time.

4. Overwhelm shrinks when you take one small step – Big visions are built through daily, consistent, simple actions.

5. Clarity comes from doing, not thinking – You don’t need all the answers before you start — just the courage to take the first imperfect step.

6. Confidence doesn’t come first — courage does – Repeated action builds belief. Show up before you feel ready.

7. Your comfort zone will cost you growth – Progress lives on the other side of discomfort. Lean into it.

8. Success stacks through structure and systems – Calendars, habits, and focused priorities turn chaos into progress.

9. Community accelerates growth – Surrounding yourself with other action-takers fuels momentum and removes isolation.

10. Start messy. Start scared. Just start. – The first step is always the hardest, but it’s also the most important. Success is built by showing up anyway.

If you’re ready to stop doing it alone and start building with a community that gets it — join us inside The Catalyst Club, where action-takers grow together.

👉 www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub

In Episode 240 of The Business Development Podcast, we welcome back former FBI Special Agent and behavioral expert Dr. Jack Schafer for an eye-opening conversation on the power of influence, trust-building, and the subtle science of deception detection. Drawing from his groundbreaking work in counterintelligence and his bestselling books The Like Switch and The Truth Detector, Dr. Schafer unpacks the psychological techniques used to build rapport, uncover hidden truths, and ethically guide conversations in both business and life. Whether you're negotiating deals, leading teams, or building relationships, the insights shared here are nothing short of transformative.

Kelly and Dr. Schafer explore real-world examples of elicitation—how subtle cues and well-placed questions can unlock critical information without confrontation. From reading non-verbal cues to crafting empathetic statements, you'll learn how to master the unspoken side of communication and gain an edge in high-stakes interactions. This episode is packed with practical takeaways that can immediately elevate your ability to connect, persuade, and lead with confidence.

Key Takeaways:

1. People have a powerful psychological need to correct others, making “presumptive statements” a highly effective elicitation tool.

2. Friendship signals—like eyebrow flashes, head tilts, and genuine smiles—are subtle but vital cues for building trust and rapport.

3. The principle of “If I make you feel good about you, you’ll like me” underpins nearly every successful relationship-building strategy.

4. Elicitation works best when it’s undetectable; most people won’t even realize they’ve revealed valuable information.

5. Empathic statements keep the focus on the other person and can deepen trust faster than direct questioning ever could.

6. Bracketing (giving a high and low estimate) invites correction and is a powerful way to learn sensitive information like salaries or margins.

7. Direct flattery can raise defenses, but indirect praise through intermediaries or subtle validation builds influence.

8. Effective listening means silencing your internal dialogue and responding to what’s actually said, not what you plan to say next.

9. Most people are already using elicitation techniques unknowingly—naming them allows you to master and defend against them.

10. Practicing one technique at a time builds confidence and competence; start with presumptive and build from there.

🎧 Loved this episode? Take the conversation further inside The Catalyst Club—our private community for business builders, deal makers, and leaders who don’t do average.

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