Shows
THE BOLT PodcastLove-Centered Leadership: Transforming Lives & Businesses with Carolyn CooperCarolyn Cooper shares her life-changing journey from young sales professional to love-inspired leadership expert, revealing how bringing authentic love to business transforms organizations and leaders. Her powerful approach integrates decades of wisdom into practical frameworks that help individuals unleash their true potential and lead from the heart.Highlights from this episode:Operating from the highest vibration of love creates flow, ease, and meaningful connectionPerfectionism kills progress—releasing control leads to freedom and deeper alignment with purposeThe Aim High System offers six powerful steps to transform leadership: truth, trust, value, vision, presence, and celebrationOvercoming fear re...2025-07-281h 01THE BOLT PodcastFrom Curiosity to Connection: Mastering the Art of Influence with Molly KetchamIn this episode, leadership expert Molly Ketcham explores how curiosity can be a transformative leadership skill, helping leaders build deeper connections and drive meaningful results. Molly shares her journey from corporate success to professional speaking, revealing how asking better questions, rather than having all the answers, can improve leadership effectiveness. She highlights the need for authentic connection, especially in a world where many employees and managers are disengaged. By discussing the distinction between fixed and growth mindsets, Molly provides practical strategies for using curiosity to foster stronger relationships, particularly in remote and hybrid work environments. Through her insights, she...2025-07-1453 min
Networking RxThis Is How To Build A Network Through Positive Intelligence (EPS 822) Todd Bertsch, dynamic speaker and entrepreneur, shares about his journey into positive intelligence and how it transformed his life and business. Learn more about him at https://www.toddbertsch.com/ For more great insight on professional relationships and business networking contact Frank Agin at frankagin@amspirit.com.2025-07-0928 minTHE BOLT PodcastNetworking That Works: Building Real Relationships with Frank AginNetworking isn’t about business cards or small talk; it’s about human connection. In this episode, Frank Agin, founder of AmSpirit Business Connections and host of the NetworkingRx podcast, shares why he left a successful law career to help others build trust-based relationships that fuel success. Drawing on powerful stories, including one from anthropologist Margaret Mead, Frank explains why supporting others, even during their “broken femur” moments, leads to stronger, more resilient communities. He offers practical, heart-centered strategies for making networking feel natural, especially for introverts, and reframes platforms like LinkedIn as places to build relationships, not pitch products...2025-07-0155 min
Heather Hansen OneillTransforming Comfort with Todd BertschThis week’s theme: Transforming Comfort
In this powerful episode, we dive into the theme of Transforming Comfort, breaking free from the safety of the familiar to pursue real growth and purpose. Todd shares how a lightning bolt, a symbol from his childhood, became the metaphor for his transformation—from breakdancer to addict, and eventually to entrepreneur, speaker, and coach. His story reminds us that transformation often comes through discomfort, whether it’s a sudden, life-altering event or a gradual realization that “just fine” isn’t enough.
Todd challenges us to stop waiting for a dramat...2025-06-2630 minTHE BOLT PodcastThe Mindset of a Champion: Wrestling, Leadership, and Storytelling with Ben HattaBen Hatta, former wrestler and Emmy-nominated producer, explores the intense rivalry between St. Edward and Walsh Jesuit in his documentary Clash of Dynasties. Growing up in a wrestling family, Ben's journey shaped his storytelling, revealing lessons about leadership and mentorship. A pivotal moment in the rivalry, when St. Edward's coach handed his playbook to rival coach Bill Barger, exemplifies true leadership and respect for opponents. Ben highlights how wrestling’s core principles, like resilience and determination, transfer to life’s challenges, emphasizing the importance of getting back up after setbacks. His mantra, "Energy is equal to desire and purpose," fuel...2025-06-1850 minTHE BOLT PodcastJustice, Leadership, and Legacy: Greta Johnson’s Bold Path in Public ServiceGreta Johnson’s journey through public service is a powerful testament to trusting your gut and embracing life’s unexpected turns. Rooted in blue-collar values and shaped by her parents’ resilience, Greta has followed a “five-minute plan” mindset, focusing on excellence in the moment rather than rigid long-term goals. From prosecuting cases to becoming a state representative while raising twins, and now serving in Summit County administration, she has led with heart, intentionality, and courage. Her hard-earned wisdom around sustainability, “Resting is not quitting,” reminds us that meaningful impact starts with taking care of ourselves and others. Highlights fr...2025-06-0458 minTHE BOLT PodcastNavigating the Emotional Journey of Selling Your Business with Denise LoganIn this powerful episode, Denise Logan opens up about the emotional complexities of business exits, drawing from her own experience of struggling to leave a thriving practice. A former mental health professional and law firm founder, Denise reveals the raw, unsanitized truth of her journey, including a moment when she contemplated crashing her car to create a crisis that would justify her departure. She frames business transitions as emotional journeys, comparable to empty nesting, and emphasizes that entrepreneurs must address the deeper needs beyond money, such as structure, identity, and belonging, before deciding to exit. Denise's candid story and...2025-05-161h 00THE BOLT PodcastBetter Humans, Better Performance: Leadership Lessons from Peter ReaIn this insightful conversation, Peter Rea, founder of Better Humans, Better Performance, explains how virtue-based leadership drives measurable results. Drawing from his experience at Parker Hannifin, he shares research showing that 75% of performance variance comes from character, not cognitive ability. Peter explores the seven classical virtues and their application in leadership, highlighting gratitude as a key driver of engagement and performance. He also offers practical advice for parents and educators on focusing on character development. This conversation provides actionable tools for creating lasting positive change through virtue.Highlights from the episode:The seven classical...2025-05-071h 06
SpeakEasy HRLIVE from the 2025 HR Collaborative! Afternoon Session Episode🎙️ SpeakEasy HR: Live from the 2025 HR Collaborative continues in the afternoon with a fresh round of impactful interviews featuring industry leaders who are shaking up how we think about recruiting, leadership, performance, and workplace culture.At 2:25, Kim Dube of ReFlex Recruiting dives into how organizations can build a Recruiting Culture of Agility, sharing strategies for staying responsive and effective in a fast-changing talent landscape. Then at 2:40, Kristie Dierig, founder of Every Spark, delivers an energizing conversation around her session It’s Time to Be Disruptive!—challenging traditional thinking and encouraging bold moves in HR.At 2:55, leadershi...2025-04-291h 35THE BOLT PodcastHR Like a Boss: Transforming Leadership and Empowering People with John BernatoviczJohn Bernanovich, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, author, and HR expert, challenges us to reframe how we talk about our full schedules during this deeply authentic conversation about purposeful living and transformational leadership. Drawing from his 25 years of entrepreneurial experience and his best-selling book "HR Like a Boss," John shares the pivotal mindset shifts that changed his approach to business and life. When he lost both parents in a compressed timeframe, he found himself questioning his purpose and ultimately discovered that true fulfillment comes from pouring into others rather than chasing sales or status. At its core, John's message is beautifully...2025-04-221h 13
The Unstuck Movement with Rob Z WentzAddicted to Growth w/ Todd BertschWhat happens when a man addicted to destruction becomes obsessed with growth?This episode is with Todd Bertsch, a speaker, coach, podcast host, and former agency owner who shares his radical transformation and how he helps others spark lasting change.Todd Bertsch is a former web designer and digital agency owner turned keynote speaker, Positive Intelligence® coach, and host of The BOLT Podcast. After surviving drug and alcohol addiction, he transformed his life through personal growth, Positive Intelligence, and purpose-driven living, now empowering others to do the same.Find out more about Todd B...2025-04-1639 minTHE BOLT PodcastShattering Silence: Kat Polsinelli on Breaking Free from Abuse and Finding EmpowermentKat Polsinelli’s journey from darkness to light exemplifies the remarkable human ability to not only survive but thrive after trauma. From childhood performances that built her confidence to surviving a decade-long abusive relationship, single motherhood at 16, and PTSD, Kat’s path is one of resilience and transformation. The conversation explores her pivotal moment of awakening when she saw her son mimicking the harmful behaviors of her abuser, igniting her decision to reclaim her identity. Kat redefines trauma, offering a practical approach to setting boundaries and nurturing self-worth. Through her business, The Lotus Effect, she embodies the belief that whil...2025-04-1446 minTHE BOLT PodcastBuilding Niche Powerhouses: Leadership, Growth, and Positivity with Scott HubbleScott Hubble is an entrepreneurial leader who has transformed niche RV companies into industry powerhouses through market insight, people-focused leadership, and resilience. With a background in accounting, law, and business, Scott revolutionized the teardrop trailer market by blending European design with Amish craftsmanship, turning a stagnant product into a thriving business at nuCamp . His leadership philosophy centers around the belief that "people matter most," fostering cultures of innovation and care that drive success. Now, with Awaken RV, Scott is applying his approach to disrupt the molded fiberglass trailer market. Despite personal challenges, his "forward-failing" mindset drives his belief that...2025-04-0855 minTHE BOLT PodcastTurning Pain into Purpose: Leadership, Sobriety, and Mental Health with Dan FlanaganDan Flanagan’s journey from addiction, family mental health struggles, and professional setbacks to one of purpose, service, and joy offers a powerful roadmap for transformation. Starting as a sales rep at Group Management Services, Dan faced personal challenges that eventually led him to re-evaluate his life. It wasn’t until May 2019 that he reached a breaking point with alcoholism. Committing to sobriety, now approaching six years, Dan’s foundation in faith and a "one day at a time" mindset has transformed his life. His family’s ongoing mental health struggles inspired him to co-found the Brain Enrichment Initiative (BEI), wh...2025-04-021h 04
Unfinished BusinessTransforming Challenges into Growth | Todd Bertsch | Unfinished Business PodcastMost people want change, but they don’t know where to start or how to break through old habits. That’s where Todd Bertsch, Owner and President of Evolve Marketing, comes in. In this episode, David Sliman sits down with Todd to talk about reinvention, resilience, and rewiring your mindset to reach your full potential.
From his early struggles with addiction and rock-bottom moments to building a thriving business and helping professionals transform their lives, Todd proves that change is possible when you commit to winning the day. If you feel stuck, unmotivated, or overwhelmed, this episode will...2025-03-2658 minTHE BOLT PodcastUnlocking Transformation: The Power of Self-Development with John GeraghtyJohn Geraghty’s inspiring journey from struggling with alcoholism to becoming an acclaimed optimal performance coach showcases the power of personal transformation. After battling alcohol from a young age, John made a life-changing decision at 29 to rebuild his life through personal development, including reading a book a week for 30 years. His transformative approach is centered around his Prism of Perspective framework, which teaches that our beliefs, energy, and presence shape how we experience life. By consciously reshaping these beliefs, we can unlock profound change. John’s own physical transformation is equally remarkable—having gone from being clinically obese and in chr...2025-03-2658 minTHE BOLT PodcastFrom Peaks to Boardrooms: Leadership Lessons from the Edge with Lei WangIn this inspiring episode of the BOLT Podcast, host Todd Bertsch interviews Lei Wang, a leadership developer, executive advisor, and the first Asian woman to complete the Explorer’s Grand Slam—climbing the highest peak on every continent and skiing to both the North and South Poles. Lei shares her incredible journey from a corporate career in finance and technology to extreme adventure, highlighting the power of curiosity, resilience, and strategic goal-setting.Key Takeaways:Bold Beginnings: Lei set her Everest goal simply to improve her health but discovered a passion for extreme chal...2025-03-1938 min
Breakfast Leadership ShowFrom Adversity to Empowerment: Todd Bertsch's Inspiring Journey to Transform LivesTodd Bertsch is a dynamic entrepreneur, motivational speaker, life-optimization coach, and host of The BOLT Podcast. His remarkable journey from overcoming challenges in his youth to a life-changing transformation in his 20s has shaped his career and established him as a respected figure in digital marketing, education, and leadership. In 2009,
Todd founded Evolve Marketing, a successful digital agency that reflects his curious spirit and dedication to excellence. Driven by a passion to inspire, Todd's mission is to encourage individuals to embrace change, cultivate a growth mindset, and lead lives filled with purpose and fulfillment. His commitment to...2025-03-1727 minTHE BOLT PodcastThe Formula for Success: Unlocking Peak Health and Energy with Josh PhelanIn this episode of the BOLT podcast, Todd Bertsch sits down with Josh Phelan, a top personal trainer and founder of Chasing Optimal, to explore his inspiring journey of transformation and the powerful lessons he’s learned along the way. Josh shares his story of overcoming personal struggles, including battling unhealthy habits and the challenges of COVID, to lose 32 pounds in two months and regain his confidence. As a trainer, Josh helps business-owning men optimize their health, focusing on sustainable fitness, the power of mindset, and the importance of small, intentional steps. Throughout the conversation, they discuss the value of...2025-03-121h 03THE BOLT PodcastLiving on Purpose: Transforming Leadership and Life with Amy WongIn this enlightening episode of the BOLT Podcast, Todd Bertsch engages in a thought-provoking conversation with leadership expert Amy Wong. Amy shares her journey from overcoming academic challenges to becoming a leader in communication and leadership, combining mathematics and transpersonal psychology to inform her unique approach. The episode explores how embracing both the light and dark aspects of life fosters growth, and Amy introduces her five deliberate choices to help us create fulfilling and joyful lives. Listeners will learn about the concept of flow and how to access this state to enhance creativity and connection, while also challenging societal...2025-03-0551 minTHE BOLT PodcastFeeding the Future: Dan Flowers’ 30-Year Journey in Nonprofit LeadershipIn this episode, we explore transformational leadership with Dan Flowers, President & CEO of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. With nearly three decades of experience, Dan shares his leadership philosophies centered on humility, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building. He discusses how small, intentional changes foster growth and highlights the importance of collaboration and accountability in organizational culture. Dan also opens up about overcoming personal challenges as a new CEO and the power of vulnerability in leadership. Through his candid insights and practical strategies, listeners will learn how to lead with heart while maintaining high standards and empowering their teams. W...2025-02-2555 min
Practical Wisdom for Leaders with Scott J. Allen, Ph.D.Personal Growth as a Catalyst for Leadership with Todd BertschSend us a textTodd Bertsch is a dynamic entrepreneur, speaker, and life-optimization coach, best known as the host of The BOLT Podcast. His inspiring journey from overcoming early life challenges to experiencing a pivotal transformation in his 20s has established him as a respected figure in digital marketing, education, and leadership. In 2009, Todd founded Evolve Marketing, a successful digital agency. Passionate about inspiring others, Todd's mission is to encourage individuals to embrace change, cultivate a growth mindset, and lead meaningful, fulfilling lives. He has served on numerous nonprofit boards and is currently the president o...2025-02-1945 minTHE BOLT PodcastHow to Prevent Burnout and Cultivate a Thriving Workplace with Michael LevittMichael Levitt shares his deeply personal journey from surviving burnout to leading a life of purpose, emphasizing the importance of recognizing signs of burnout and cultivating self-care practices. The conversation touches on effective strategies for aspiring leaders to avoid burnout and enhance their lives through curiosity and proactive management of their time.In this episode you'll learn:Michael reflects on his year of multiple personal crises Recognition of burnout signs and their consequences The role of curiosity in navigating challenges Strategies for leaders to maintain work-life balance Importance of self-care and personal reflection Insights from...2025-02-1855 minTHE BOLT PodcastCuriosity, Connection, and LinkedIn: Building Relationships for Growth with Janice PorterJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Janice Porter, a maestro in relationship marketing and networking, whose journey from school teacher to telecom trainer to a thriving self-employed career is nothing short of remarkable. Discover how Janice's passion for teaching and her distaste for bureaucratic hurdles led her to embrace the nuances of relationship marketing, with LinkedIn emerging as her platform of choice. In this episode, Janice unveils the art of crafting a compelling LinkedIn presence and shares her strategies for nurturing business relationships, both online and offline.Focusing on the essence of building genuine relationships through...2025-02-1148 min
Entrepreneur ConundrumHow to Build a Growth Mindset and Embrace Life’s Challenges with Todd BertschEpisode Notes:Todd’s journey from graphic design to entrepreneurship and personal growth coaching.How a life-changing incident in his 20s inspired him to turn his life around.The importance of self-reflection, personal growth, and finding balance.Todd’s custom life optimization system and how he tracks progress in all areas of his life.Advice on embracing failure, overcoming perfectionism, and living a life of meaning.Todd’s future goals, including writing a book and giving a TED Talk.How small, consistent changes lead to massive transformations over time.Key Questions(01:07) Can you share with us, ho...2025-02-1030 minTHE BOLT PodcastTransform Your Mindset, Transform Your Life: The Power of ManifestingIn this episode we focus on the power of manifestation, exploring how our thoughts, intentions, and actions can shape our reality. By understanding the neuroscience behind thought patterns and integrating practical steps, listeners are encouraged to embrace a growth mindset, visualize their goals, and take inspired actions toward achieving their dreams.What you'll learn in this episode:Introduction to ManifestationUnderstanding ManifestationThe Neuroscience Behind ManifestationShifting Thought Patterns and Rewiring the BrainReplacing Limiting Beliefs and Cultivating a Growth MindsetSix Actionable Steps for ManifestationReal-World Examples of Manifestation and VisualizationThe 3-6-9 Method for ManifestationThanks...2025-02-0419 min
The Teaching Journeys PodcastBe an Empty Cup: Todd Bertsch on Growth and TransformationIn this episode of 'The Teaching Journeys Podcast', host Dave Roberts converses with Todd Bertsch, a successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker. Todd shares his powerful story of overcoming addiction and personal struggle, ultimately leading to a profound life transformation in his twenties. He highlights the importance of cultivating a growth mindset, community involvement, and proactive personal development. Dave and Todd also delve into positive intelligence, the impact of traumatic events on personal growth, and integrating life audits to align values and goals. Todd's journey emphasizes curiosity and meaningful connections in the pursuit of fulfillment and success.2025-01-2847 minTHE BOLT PodcastThe Power of Gratitude and Connection: Building Stronger Entrepreneurs and Corporate Cultures with Lori SaitzWhat if the smallest changes in your life could lead to the most significant transformations? Our special guest, Lori Saitz, shares her inspiring journey from being a shy child to becoming a pioneering leader in internal corporate podcasts. Uncover the power of small steps and the courage to break free from perfectionism as Lori recounts her pivotal college experience that set her on a path of self-assuredness and leadership. Lori's insights on gratitude as a tool for fostering positivity and development are particularly poignant, illustrating how cultivating a positive mindset can transform challenges into opportunities for growth....2025-01-2855 minTHE BOLT PodcastLeadership That Transforms: Insights from Dr. Nate SalahIn this episode, Dr. Nate Salah—an inspiring entrepreneur and educator—explores how overcoming adversity shapes effective leadership. Drawing on the grit and perseverance instilled by his mother in a financially challenged immigrant family, Dr. Salah reveals how facing challenges head-on fuels personal growth. He cites icons like Herb Kelleher and principles from Stephen Covey’s The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People to emphasize the power of trust, empathy, and supportive work environments. Beyond professional success, he advocates a holistic approach to well-being—balancing psychological, physical, and financial health—and adopting an infinite mindset for sustained impact.Key...2025-01-2053 minTHE BOLT PodcastEmpowering Our Youth Through Sports & Education with Kenneth Coach Jo-Jo SmithIn this episode of the BOLT podcast Coach Jojo Smith shares his inspiring transition from professional basketball to education and advocacy, focusing on empowering young women through his non-profit, Ladies First Akron. The discussion highlights personal resilience, the importance of mentorship, and innovative educational approaches, encouraging listeners to embrace the journey of growth and transformation. Coach Jojo’s unique journey from athlete to educator Development and impact of Ladies First Akron Using sports as a tool for life skills and leadership Importance of vulnerability in connecting with students Innovative classroom techniques to engage youth Balancing personal life while pursuing...2025-01-1554 min
The Prism of PerspectiveTransforming Pain into Purpose: Todd Bertsch’s Roadmap to Life OptimizationIn this episode, I talk with Todd Bertsch, an inspiring entrepreneur, speaker, and personal growth advocate. Todd's journey from a turbulent adolescence marked by substance abuse to founding Evolve Marketing and embracing a holistic approach to life demonstrates the power of resilience, self-reflection, and change. Now a successful coach and podcast host, Todd shares his insights on cultivating a growth mindset, overcoming adversity, and creating a life of purpose and fulfillment. Join us as Todd recounts the highs, lows, and transformative moments that shaped his path.Key Points:- Todd's challenging upbringing and...2025-01-0853 minTHE BOLT PodcastThrough the Lens of Emotional Intelligence: Dr. Laura Aldape on Transforming Mindsets and Thriving in LifeUnlock the potential of emotional intelligence with the esteemed Dr. Laura Aldape, celebrated for her expertise in behavioral economics and emotional intelligence coaching. Discover how self-awareness serves as the backbone of navigating life's ever-evolving challenges with purpose. Dr. Aldape offers insights and practical tools, revealing how emotional intelligence parallels physical fitness, requiring consistent dedication to strengthen those mental muscles. For those curious about the intersection of emotions, thoughts, and mindsets, this episode promises to illuminate the path to intentional growth and life alignment.Join us as we explore Dr. Aldape's groundbreaking book, "Optical Emotions," where eyewear metaphors...2025-01-0852 min