The Business Coach Podcast

In this episode of the Business Coach Podcast, business coach Dr. Michael Hartley explores the foundational principles every business owner must master to build a sustainable and profitable enterprise. Drawing from his own journey, Dr. Hartley explains why “business is math, not emotion” and how understanding your numbers and systems creates freedom and scalability. He unpacks the difference between coaching and consulting, revealing why empowering owners to learn and apply business fundamentals leads to lasting results. From managing people versus processes to identifying personal blind spots across marketing, sales, operations, and mindset, Dr. Hartley shows how real growth begins when entrepreneurs step outside their comfort zones and take accountability for their success.Coaching is more than a job, it’s a calling. Discover how you can become a certified ActionCOACH and change lives, starting with your own. Get started by clicking here. https://lp.actioncoach.com/franchise-applyAbout Dr. Michael Hartley:Dr. Michael Hartley is a seasoned business coach and entrepreneur who helps owners master the numbers, systems, and mindset needed for lasting success. After launching his first company in 2007 and learning firsthand the challenges of entrepreneurship, he turned those lessons into a passion for coaching others to thrive. With a background in business consulting and leadership development, Dr. Hartley focuses on empowering clients to take control of their businesses. His mission: to help every business owner build a company that runs smoothly, profitably, and with purpose.Learn more: https://dmh.actioncoach.com/About ActionCOACHActionCOACH is a global business coaching firm founded in 1993 by Brad Sugars. It offers coaching services to all types of businesses, providing guidance and support in various aspects of business management, including marketing, sales, finance, team building, and systems development. ActionCOACH operates through a network of trained business coaches who work directly with clients to help them achieve their business goals and overcome challenges. The company's vision is to "create world abundance through business re-education," aiming to empower entrepreneurs and business owners to build profitable enterprises that work without them. Learn more about ActionCOACH: https://www.actioncoach.com/Become A Coach: https://www.actioncoach.com/

In this episode of the Business Coach Podcast, business coach Derek O’Dwyer discusses what it takes to build and retain a winning team in today’s business landscape. Drawing on more than two decades of experience with ActionCOACH, Derek shares how mindset, planning, and leadership are key to attracting the right people and driving sustainable growth. From navigating economic challenges to developing effective management habits, he explains why the best leaders create environments where their teams can excel—and why growth always starts with growing yourself first.Coaching is more than a job, it’s a calling. Discover how you can become a certified ActionCOACH and change lives, starting with your own. Get started by clicking here. https://lp.actioncoach.com/franchise-apply  About our coach, Derek O'Dwyer:Derek O’Dwyer is a seasoned business coach with over 20 years at ActionCOACH, helping entrepreneurs across Ireland and beyond build stronger, more profitable businesses. Known for his practical, people-focused approach, Derek guides owners through leadership development, recruitment, and team management. His mission is simple—to help business leaders grow thriving companies by empowering the people behind them.Learn more: https://actioncoach.ie/derek-o-dwyerAbout ActionCOACHActionCOACH is a global business coaching firm founded in 1993 by Brad Sugars. It offers coaching services to all types of businesses, providing guidance and support in various aspects of business management, including marketing, sales, finance, team building, and systems development. ActionCOACH operates through a network of trained business coaches who work directly with clients to help them achieve their business goals and overcome challenges. The company's vision is to "create world abundance through business re-education," aiming to empower entrepreneurs and business owners to build profitable enterprises that work without them. Learn more about ActionCOACH: https://www.actioncoach.com/Become A Coach: https://www.actioncoach.com/

In this episode of the Business Coach Podcast, business coach Kevin O’Keefe shares why true sales success isn’t about pushing products or features—it’s about understanding what customers are really buying. Drawing from decades in international banking and two decades as an ActionCOACH mentor, Kevin reveals the five key metrics that drive business growth and how gap analysis can transform sales performance. Through engaging stories and practical insights, he shows how knowing your customer, not just your product, leads to stronger margins, loyal clients, and long-term success.Coaching is more than a job, it’s a calling. Discover how you can become a certified ActionCOACH and change lives, starting with your own. Get started by clicking here. https://lp.actioncoach.com/franchise-apply  About Kevin O'Keefe:Kevin O’Keefe is an experienced business coach and chartered accountant with over 20 years at ActionCOACH. After a global career in finance spanning Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, Kevin now helps SMEs unlock growth through smarter sales strategies and better systems. Known for his straightforward, results-driven approach, he teaches leaders to focus on value, not just volume, helping businesses sell solutions that truly matter.Learn more: https://kevinokeeffe.actioncoach.com/About ActionCOACHActionCOACH is a global business coaching firm founded in 1993 by Brad Sugars. It offers coaching services to all types of businesses, providing guidance and support in various aspects of business management, including marketing, sales, finance, team building, and systems development. ActionCOACH operates through a network of trained business coaches who work directly with clients to help them achieve their business goals and overcome challenges. The company's vision is to "create world abundance through business re-education," aiming to empower entrepreneurs and business owners to build profitable enterprises that work without them. Learn more about ActionCOACH: https://www.actioncoach.com/Become A Coach: https://www.actioncoach.com/

In this episode, business coach Andrew Laurie shares how true business growth begins with clarity—both in strategy and in people. Drawing on lessons from Playing to Win and Jim Collins’ “hedgehog concept,” Andrew reveals how to define where your business will play and win, build the right team at the right time, and focus your energy on what really drives results. He explains why hiring isn’t just about adding people, but about freeing yourself to lead, innovate, and create sustainable success. Through personal stories and timeless business wisdom, Andrew shows how great strategy and great people together form the foundation for lasting scale.Coaching is more than a job, it’s a calling. Discover how you can become a certified ActionCOACH and change lives, starting with your own. Get started by clicking here. https://lp.actioncoach.com/franchise-apply  About Andrew Laurie:Andrew Laurie is a seasoned business coach, entrepreneur, and former corporate leader with experience running companies exceeding a billion dollars in sales. An MBA graduate and ActionCOACH partner, Andrew combines strategic insight with a passion for helping business owners achieve both success and balance. Guided by Jim Collins’ “hedgehog concept,” he teaches leaders how to craft clear strategies, build high-performing teams, and design businesses that serve their ideal lives—not consume them.Learn more: https://actioncoach.au/find-a-coach/andrew-laurieAbout ActionCOACHActionCOACH is a global business coaching firm founded in 1993 by Brad Sugars. It offers coaching services to all types of businesses, providing guidance and support in various aspects of business management, including marketing, sales, finance, team building, and systems development. ActionCOACH operates through a network of trained business coaches who work directly with clients to help them achieve their business goals and overcome challenges. The company's vision is to "create world abundance through business re-education," aiming to empower entrepreneurs and business owners to build profitable enterprises that work without them. Learn more about ActionCOACH: https://www.actioncoach.com/Become A Coach: https://www.actioncoach.com/

In this episode of The Business Coach Podcast, business coach Jayne Ramlakan reveals how true growth happens when business owners learn to manage systems, not people. Drawing from her years as a CEO and her experience with ActionCOACH, Jayne explains the power of structure, delegation, and leadership. She shares how creating clear systems and processes frees owners from daily firefighting, allowing them to focus on strategy and innovation. Through real client success stories, Jayne illustrates how empowering teams and managing outcomes—not activities—builds consistency, culture, and scalable success.Coaching is more than a job, it’s a calling. Discover how you can become a certified ActionCOACH and change lives, starting with your own. Get started by clicking here. https://lp.actioncoach.com/franchise-apply About Jayne Ramlakan:Jayne Ramlakan is a business coach and former CEO with extensive experience across finance, operations, and leadership. Trained as an accountant in South Africa, she now helps entrepreneurs design systems that enable their businesses to run smoothly and profitably without constant oversight. Known for her calm, strategic approach and commitment to empowering others, Jayne guides business owners to shift from managing tasks to leading teams—and from working in their business to thriving on it.Learn more: https://actioncoach.au/find-a-coach/jayne-ramlakanAbout ActionCOACHActionCOACH is a global business coaching firm founded in 1993 by Brad Sugars. It offers coaching services to all types of businesses, providing guidance and support in various aspects of business management, including marketing, sales, finance, team building, and systems development. ActionCOACH operates through a network of trained business coaches who work directly with clients to help them achieve their business goals and overcome challenges. The company's vision is to "create world abundance through business re-education," aiming to empower entrepreneurs and business owners to build profitable enterprises that work without them. Learn more about ActionCOACH: https://www.actioncoach.com/Become A Coach: https://www.actioncoach.com/