GSD with Jeni

Welcome to "GSD with Jeni," the podcast that takes you behind the scenes with business leaders who have conquered their most demanding challenges and learned how to "get sh!t done." In each episode, we dive into real stories of overcoming obstacles, from battling head trash and imposter syndrome to breaking through economic and social barriers. Our guests share specific instances of navigating significant hurdles and the tools and systems they rely on to stay productive. We also explore the vital role of mentorship and community in their journeys, uncovering the strategies that have fueled their success. Every episode wraps up with actionable advice, giving you the insights you need to tackle your challenges and achieve your goals. Whether you're seeking inspiration, practical tips, or a boost of motivation, "GSD with Jeni" is your go-to podcast for learning how to stay accountable, overcome obstacles, and get things done.

GSD with Jeni is a business podcast hosted by Jeni Bukolt, with 36 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Jeni Bukolt hosts GSD with Jeni, a business show with 36 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #8

  Just be You: The Permission to be Human with Rocky Garza

  Aug 5, 20261h 4mS2

  What if the best leadership strategy isn't a strategy at all - it's just giving yourself permission to be human? In this episode of GSD with Jeni , I sit down with Rocky Garza - leadership coach, identity strategist, and founder of Staff Retreat Co. - for a conversation that will challenge everything you think you know about being a "fearless leader." Rocky doesn't do performative leadership. He believes the most powerful thing you can bring to a room is your actual self - not the polished, bulletproof version, but the messy, present, deeply human one. We dig into why "getting it all done" is a myth that keeps us stuck, how core values aren't just wall art but decision-making fuel, and why proactivity is actually a byproduct of presence (not the other way around). We also unpack the real work of self-awareness: the difference between being an achiever and a validation seeker, the power of giving yourself permission to tell the truth, and why leadership is fundamentally an identity problem, not a strategy problem. Plus, Rocky shares his framework for building resilience through community and shared experiences - because the strongest leaders aren't the ones who never fall, they're the ones who know how to get back up with people beside them. If you're tired of leadership advice that sounds like everyone else, this episode is your reset button. It's time to stop losing sales to inauthenticity - in your leadership, your business, and your life.

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  Episode #7

  It's Okay to Pivot: Sharon Sullivan's Winding Road From Tech Sales to Franchise CEO

  Jul 22, 202644 minS2

  What if your "winding road" of a career was actually your secret weapon? In this episode, Jeni sits down with Sharon Sullivan, Owner & CEO of Renewal by Andersen of the Carolinas, to unpack how she went from technology sales to healthcare to leading one of the region's most successful home improvement franchises. In just eight years, Sharon grew her team from 24 to over 300 employees, all while maintaining a relentless focus on customer experience, brand integrity, and the servant leadership philosophy that grounds her culture. Sharon doesn't just talk about scaling; she breaks down the how — from aligning team goals with company OKRs to recognizing when your processes (and your people) need to level up. She shares why "finding a way to meet the customer's needs" isn't just a tagline but a non-negotiable, and how philanthropy and internal community aren't nice-to-haves—they're culture-makers. Whether you're navigating a career pivot, struggling to scale without losing your soul, or building a team that actually wants to show up on Monday, this conversation is packed with hard-won wisdom and zero fluff. Key Takeaways: Your career path is not a straight line — and that's a feature, not a bug. Leadership is empowerment, not control. Build culture by building people. Scaling means adapting: processes, talent, and your own mindset. Consistent customer experience is the ultimate brand loyalty play. Share the metrics. Alignment and accountability go hand-in-hand.

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  Episode #6

  What Would You Do If You Weren't Afraid? Melanie White on Leading Hellwig to 80 Years

  Jul 8, 202648 minS2

  What does it take to cold call your way into a career - and eventually into the CEO seat of an 80-year-old family business? In this episode of GSD with Jeni, I sit down with Melanie White, CEO of Hellwig Suspension Products, for a conversation that is equal parts raw and inspiring. Melanie didn't inherit the top job - she earned it, one cold call, one hard lesson, and one courageous decision at a time. We talk about what it really looks like to lead a family business through transitions, how she navigated gender bias in a male-dominated industry without losing herself, and why the question "What would you do if you weren't afraid?" has become a north star for her leadership. You'll walk away with real, actionable insight on: Building resilience when the industry (and sometimes the room) isn't built for you The mindset shift required to step from VP into the CEO seat How mentorship and strategic planning fuel sustainable growth Why slowing down to "sleep on it" is actually a power move Melanie is proof that grit, clarity, and a willingness to stand out - even when it's uncomfortable - will always outlast any bias or barrier. This one's for every woman who's ever walked into a room and had to prove she belonged.

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  Episode #5

  Building a Customer-Obsessed Business with John DiJulius

  Jun 11, 202645 minS2

  What if you could make price irrelevant in your sales? In this episode of GSD with Jeni , Jeni sits down with customer experience expert, entrepreneur, author, and speaker John DiJulius to unpack what it really means to create a customer-obsessed organization. From his early entrepreneurial journey to becoming one of the leading voices in service excellence, John shares powerful lessons on building a brand that is known as “the only one that does what you do.” Together, Jeni and John explore how leaders can scale exceptional service, empower employees to create meaningful moments, and use tools like everboarding, microlearning, and the FORD Method to build stronger relationships with customers and teams. They also dive into the future of customer experience in an AI-driven world—and why human connection, curiosity, and care will matter more than ever. Packed with practical strategies and unforgettable insights, this conversation is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, leaders, and teams who want to turn customer experience into their greatest competitive advantage.

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  Episode #4

  How to Build a Referable Client Experience with Stacey Brown Randall

  Mar 26, 202638 minS2

  <p>In this episode, referral expert and author Stacey Brown Randall is back to break down the real driver behind sustainable, relationship-based growth: building a referable client experience. She shares why doing great work alone won’t generate referrals and how emotional connection, intentional touchpoints, and organizational alignment play a bigger role than most businesses realize.</p><p>We dive into practical, repeatable strategies you can implement immediately to create moments that naturally lead to referrals—without feeling salesy or forced. Stacey also challenges the rise of AI-driven communication and makes a powerful case for why authentic, human connection will alwa...

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