Before a lender approves a business loan, the numbers must support the opportunity. On The Authority Playbook, host Jeff Brandeis welcomes Connie Sparks, founder of WakeUp Capital and Round1 Funding, to discuss what makes a business financially prepared to secure funding and pursue sustainable growth.

Connie explains how lenders assess cash flow, profitability, credit history, financial statements, and business plans.

On The Authority Playbook, host Jeff Brandeis sits down with Katie Moore, founder and executive director of ABC Hopes, to explore how creating meaningful opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can strengthen independence, belonging, and community connection.

Inspired by her younger brother Christopher, who was born with Down syndrome, Katie transformed a personal commitment into a nonprofit offering fitness, wellness, social, recreational, and life-skills programs designed to help participants grow, connect, and be seen for what they can do.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to the Authority Playbook
• (00:01:08) - Meet Katie Moore and ABC Hopes
• (00:01:55) - Founding ABC Hopes: The Origin Story
• (00:04:02) - From Farmers Markets to Fitness Classes
• (00:07:30) - Building Community and Connection
• (00:10:00) - Creating Space for Growth and Empowerment
• (00:11:43) - Segment Wrap: Clarity and Mission
• (00:12:19) - Break and Network Promotion
• (00:13:00) - The Power of Authentic Storytelling
• (00:14:36) - The Barbecue Vendor Story
• (00:17:15) - Adapting the Mission for Donors
• (00:18:45) - Stories That Move People to Action
• (00:20:47) - Segment Wrap: Stories and Framing
• (00:21:23) - Break and Network Promotion
• (00:21:39) - Building Trust Through Action
• (00:22:30) - Dueling Pianos and Community Fundraisers
• (00:25:41) - The Rocketeers: Youth Volunteers
• (00:27:45) - Staff Growth and Career Transformation
• (00:29:27) - Finding Your Why and Making the Ask
• (00:32:44) - Segment Wrap: Trust and Participation
• (00:33:19) - Break and Network Promotion
• (00:34:21) - Introducing Christopher
• (00:36:58) - Leadership Lessons from College Athletics
• (00:38:35) - Christopher Talks Sports and Golf
• (00:40:02) - Christopher Says Goodbye
• (00:40:55) - Opportunity, Patience, and Acceptance
• (00:42:10) - Reflecting on Impact and Intentionality
• (00:44:20) - How to Get Involved with ABC Hopes
• (00:45:00) - Closing Thoughts on Authority and Purpose

What happens before a leader says a single word can shape everything that follows. In The Authority Playbook, host Jeff Brandeis welcomes Dahlia Rose, a sovereignty strategist with a background in psychology and crisis consulting, for a conversation about the internal patterns that influence how leaders communicate, make decisions, and show up under pressure.