Episodes

  • Unlocking Team Potential

    Unlocking Team Potential
    May 11 2026
    In this episode of Schmidt List, Kurt welcomes a special guest, Curtis, founder and CEO of Mustard Hub, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in managing frontline and distributed workforces. Curtis shares his journey from jazz musician and educator to tech entrepreneur, revealing how the pain points of high turnover and the limitations of traditional engagement software inspired him to build a new kind of behavioral workforce intelligence platform. Together, they explore critical topics including:
    • The true cost of employee churn and why it’s a trillion-dollar problem for SMBs
    • Why most engagement tools fail to genuinely fix culture
    • How Mustard Hub embeds behavioral analytics into existing HR systems to generate predictive insights before problems occur
    • The ethics of workforce data, privacy, and the difference between analytics and surveillance
    • Practical advice for leaders and managers on listening, humility, and investing in teams for long-term business success
    If you’ve ever struggled with employee retention, wondered about the real impact of people-focused leadership, or been curious about the next generation of HR tech, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Learn more at mustardhub.com or connect with Curtis on LinkedIn and Substack.

    Visit https://www.schmidtconsulting.group



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    38 mins
  • Mastering LinkedIn for Business Growth_mixdown

    Mastering LinkedIn for Business Growth_mixdown
    Mar 18 2026
    Schmidt ListEpisode: Mastering LinkedIn for Business GrowthIn this insightful episode of the Schmidt List, Kurt Schmidt is joined by LinkedIn strategist Nicole, founder of Wunderstars, to explore how to leverage LinkedIn for authentic business growth. Together, they dissect the mindset shifts required to overcome the "cringe" factor and establish a genuine leadership presence on the platform.Nicole shares her expertise in guiding agency owners and tech founders who find it difficult to convey their value on LinkedIn without resorting to hype or impersonal posts. She introduces her signature coaching frameworks, including the LinkedIn Activator Playbook and the M-Code, which are designed to help leaders clarify their motivations and break through the "Berlin walls of fear" that prevent them from building trust and connecting online.The conversation also navigates the evolving landscape of LinkedIn, from its origins as a hub for organic reach to its current state, where niche, relatable messaging is paramount. Both Kurt and Nicole emphasize the importance of sharing personal yet professional stories, balancing expertise with relatability, and strategically engaging with your ideal audience. Tune in to discover why most business unfolds "behind the scenes," how to prioritize conversions over vanity metrics, and practical tips for optimizing your profile to make a strong, human-first impression. Whether you’re a founder, leader, or simply looking to elevate your professional presence, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you build authority and meaningful connections on the world’s largest professional network.Connect with Nicole!
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleosborne1
    https://wunderstars.com/wundercontent/

    Visit https://schmidtconsulting.group for more info!


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    32 mins
  • Building a Sellable Business

    Building a Sellable Business
    Mar 3 2026
    In this episode of the Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt sits down with Albert Banks, a seasoned former agency owner turned consultant, to uncover what it truly takes to build a sellable business.

    They trace the arc of agency growth—from its scrappy beginnings to achieving operational excellence and, ultimately, preparing for a successful exit. Drawing on his firsthand experience with mergers and acquisitions and consulting for other service firms, Albert shares invaluable insights.

    The conversation navigates the psychological hurdles founders face, such as the fear of "becoming corporate," and offers a realistic framework for assessing a company's value. They dissect the key attributes buyers prioritize, underscore the necessity of a robust outbound sales engine, and highlight common pitfalls that can diminish a valuation.

    Whether you're just launching your agency or planning an exit years from now, this episode delivers practical strategies to make your business more defensible, scalable, and attractive to potential buyers.

    Kurt and Albert also explore the critical role of cultural fit during post-acquisition integration and the steps required to ensure your team thrives through the transition. Tune in for real-world strategies, candid stories, and actionable advice to build a business that is not only rewarding to run but also ready for the future you envision. Check out Albert at:
    • https://apertus.co/
    • https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertbanks/
    Visit Kurt’s coaching site at https://schmidtconsulting.group

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    27 mins
  • Future-Proof Your Agency

    Future-Proof Your Agency
    Feb 24 2026
    In this episode of The Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt interviews Meeky, the co-founder and CEO of Endeavor, a leading technology development agency.


    Meeky shares her journey of building a specialized tech-focused agency, choosing to partner with creative teams rather than offering full-service solutions. She explains the benefits and challenges of niching down by industry and tech stack, offering valuable insights for agency leaders looking to refine their focus.


    The discussion dives into the latest trends in open-source CMS platforms, the continuing impact of WordPress, and how Endeavor adapts to evolving client needs in both enterprise and mid-sized businesses.


    Meeky and Kurt examine the influence of AI on software development, including how AI tools can streamline tasks but won’t fully replace developers. They also explore what this means for the future of junior developers and talent in the tech industry. Meeky shares lessons learned about marketing her agency, the importance of building a supportive network with other agency owners, and her unique perspective as a woman and minority in tech leadership.


    The episode wraps up with actionable advice for agency owners and developers on integrating AI, preparing for industry changes, and creating a sustainable, scalable business. Whether you're a tech startup founder, agency leader, or developer navigating the rapid changes in digital technology, this episode is packed with practical tips, honest insights, and forward-thinking advice.


    Tune in to learn how to grow your tech-focused agency, adapt to AI-driven changes, and lead with purpose in a competitive digital landscape.

    Connect with Meeky:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meekyhwang/
    Ndevr website: https://ndevr.io/
    BoozyBrowsing: https://www.youtube.com/@boozybrowsing

    Visit https://schmidtconsulting.group for more show info!

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    32 mins
  • Preserving Powerhouse Talent

    Preserving Powerhouse Talent
    Feb 17 2026
    In this episode, Kurt Schmidt sits down with Ben Bomar to dive into the importance of preserving institutional knowledge within organizations—especially when key employees retire or move on. Ben Bomar shares his expertise on how to capture the wisdom and practical know-how of longtime staff, ensuring a lasting legacy and smooth succession for businesses ranging from 20 to 500 employees. The conversation explores the real costs and risks of employee turnover, the shortcomings of traditional documentation and onboarding, and the value of scalable mentorship in today’s fast-paced world (including a fun analogy with Japanese kintsugi!). Together, they discuss actionable ways to identify essential team members, document their unique contributions, and maintain company values as organizations grow or face workforce changes. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or HR professional, this episode is packed with practical tips for investing in your team and future-proofing your company’s operations.

    Check out Ben's work!

    www.lithyus.comhttps://www.lithyus.com/free-resources#2026toolkit
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbomar/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/lithyus/
    https://www.instagram.com/lithyusinsta/
    https://www.youtube.com/@LithyusGroup

    Visit https://schmidtconsulting.group for more show info

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    21 mins
  • The Intersection of Art and Science in Lead Gen

    The Intersection of Art and Science in Lead Gen
    Feb 10 2026
    In this episode of The Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt interviews Amber, owner of a successful lead generation agency, to dive into the perfect blend of art and science in digital marketing. Amber shares her journey from building e-commerce websites in the '90s to helping businesses grow online, especially during the challenges of 2020.They cover essential topics like the importance of SEO for lead generation, the role of AI in creating web content, and how to craft an authentic brand voice. Amber explains why creative user experiences and genuine storytelling are the keys to standing out in today’s competitive digital marketing space. She also discusses the pitfalls of cookie-cutter AI content, quick-fix marketing tools, and why aligning your messaging with your business goals leads to real conversions—not just more traffic.This episode is packed with practical advice for small business owners, marketing professionals, and agency leaders. Learn how to build trust, boost your online visibility, and create a unique value proposition that resonates with your audience. Tune in to discover proven digital marketing strategies, SEO tips, and how to use your brand story as the ultimate marketing tool for 2026 and beyond.If you’re looking to generate leads, grow your online presence, and create lasting connections with your customers, this episode is a must-listen!Visit schmidtconsulting.group for more show info.

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    33 mins
  • Attract Your Dream Clients

    Attract Your Dream Clients
    Feb 2 2026
    Welcome to Schmidt List, Episode 310!Join host Kurt Schmidt as he brings together an expert panel featuring Joe Peterson, Jay Kallman, and Ashley Roloff for an insightful conversation inspired by Kurt’s latest book, The Attraction Agency.This episode delves into a transformative approach for agencies and consultants—shifting from chasing clients to attracting them with authenticity, expertise, and brand consistency. Drawing from their experiences in marketing, consulting, and entrepreneurship, the panelists share compelling stories and valuable insights on understanding clients' true pain points, fostering trust across teams, and standing out through genuine connections.The discussion covers practical strategies for effective client discovery, aligning stakeholders, and using data to create solutions that resonate. It also explores the impact of AI on agency workflows, highlighting how technology is enhancing efficiency, improving communication, and empowering professionals to deliver results with authenticity.Whether you work in marketing, consulting, or any service-driven industry, this episode offers actionable advice on building trust, maintaining consistency, and combining human expertise with technology to create meaningful value for clients. If you're focused on attracting new opportunities, cultivating long-term relationships, and navigating the evolving tech landscape, this is a must-listen!Grab the new book here! https://amzn.to/4qpouCuVisit Kurt’s coaching site at https://schmidtconsulting.group

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    28 mins
  • Grow Without Chasing

    Grow Without Chasing
    Jan 13 2026
    Here’s an episode you don’t want to miss!

    Get the Attraction Agency TODAY!

    In this special solo episode, host Kurt Schmidt takes center stage to unveil the secrets behind his new book, The Attraction Agency: Stop Chasing, Start Attracting. No guests, no distractions—just Kurt diving deep into the lessons, stories, and hard-earned insights from his years in the agency world. From navigating client relationships to overcoming the pitfalls of chasing the wrong clients, Kurt lays it all out.

    He doesn’t stop there. Kurt shares the raw truth about his self-publishing journey—the challenges, the control, and the intentional choices it took to bring his big idea to life. He also introduces listeners to his powerful “relationship engine” framework, packed with actionable strategies such as sharpening your positioning, delivering value up front, nurturing relationships, teaching publicly, and standing firm in negotiations.

    If you’re an agency owner, entrepreneur, or just plain tired of the endless hustle of cold outreach, this episode will flip the script. Discover how to ditch the chasing game, build trust that lasts, and attract the clients you actually want. Plus, Kurt shares simple next steps and exclusive resources to help you put his playbook into action.

    Ready to transform the way you approach growth? Tune in for a motivating, no-nonsense roadmap to building the agency (and life) you want. Let’s get started!

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    10 mins