Unemployable with Jeff Dudan

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You Might Be Chasing Someone Else’s Dream with Best Selling Author Laura Gassner Otting Mar 10, 2026

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Jeff Dudan sits down with bestselling author and leadership expert Laura Gassner Otting to talk about ambition, success, leadership, and why so many high performers still feel stuck—even after doing everything “right.” They discuss why ambition is not a dirty word, how many people are unknowingly chasing someone else’s definition of success, and what today’s workforce really wants: calling, connection, contribution, and control. If you're an entrepreneur, leader, or business owner, this conversation will challenge the way you think about success and help you unlock your next level.

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👤 Laura Gassner Otting Website: https://www.lauragassnerotting.com

Social: @HeyLGO

#UnemployablePodcast #JeffDudan #LauraGassnerOtting #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #BusinessPodcast #SuccessMindset #PersonalDevelopment #FranchiseBusiness #Ambition

The Secret to Getting Better Deals Without Pushing with Hostage Negotiator Chris Voss Mar 09, 2026

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What can an FBI hostage negotiator teach entrepreneurs, franchise owners, and business leaders about getting better outcomes? A lot. In this episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, Jeff sits down with Chris Voss — former FBI hostage negotiator, author of the global bestseller Never Split the Difference, and founder of The Black Swan Group. Chris spent more than two decades negotiating life-or-death situations around the world. Now he teaches the same negotiation frameworks to business leaders, entrepreneurs, and Fortune 500 companies.

In this conversation, Chris and Jeff break down: • The power of tactical empathy • Why making people feel understood changes behavior • The hidden danger of high anchoring in negotiations • How to slow down and avoid deal fixation • The negotiation techniques Chris used in real hostage situations • Why most people unknowingly leave value on the table Whether you’re negotiating deals, leading teams, building companies, or navigating everyday conversations, the principles in this episode can change the way you communicate and make decisions.

Learn more about Chris Voss and The Black Swan Group here: https://www.blackswanltd.com

Black Swan Group Negotiation Resources and Newsletter: https://www.blackswanltd.com/newsletter/

Chris Voss Fireside Coaching Platform: https://firesidechat.com/chrisvoss

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Get a FREE DOWNLOADABLE COPY of Jeff Dudan's Book Discernment HERE

👍 Like the video 💬 Comment your biggest takeaway 📤 Share this with someone who negotiates for a living This podcast is brought to you by Homefront Brands — building the world’s most responsible franchise platform and helping entrepreneurs transform their lives while serving their communities. Learn more about Homefront Brands here: https://homefrontbrands.com

#ChrisVoss #JeffDudan #UnemployablePodcast #Negotiation #NeverSplitTheDifference #TacticalEmpathy #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #Sales #CommunicationSkills #EmotionalIntelligence #HostageNegotiation #BusinessGrowth #HomefrontBrands

Most Businesses Lose Money. Here’s Why. With The Great Game of Business Steve Baker Mar 03, 2026

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Most businesses don’t have a people problem — they have a clarity problem. In this episode, Jeff Dudan sits down with Steve Baker (VP, The Great Game of Business | co-author of Get in the Game and the 20th Anniversary edition of The Great Game of Business) to break down why “open-book management” isn’t about spreadsheets… it’s about building ownership, accountability, and a winning culture. ✅ What you’ll learn: Why leaders hide financials (and why it backfires) The real goal of open-book management: education + transparency How to get employees to think like owners without “boss energy” Why forecasting beats quotas (and kills sandbagging) Mini-games: the 90-day system to drive results and engagement How this applies to franchisees, franchisors, and operators 📉 Reality check: Steve shares that the median net profit for many small-to-mid sized businesses is about 6.5 cents on the dollar — and most teams have no idea. When people understand the game, they make better decisions.

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Learn more about The Great Game of Business + free audiobook resources: 👉 https://greatgame.com/steve 👍 If this helped you, hit LIKE 🔔 Subscribe

💬 Comment: Do you share numbers with your team? Why or why not?

#GreatGameOfBusiness #OpenBookManagement #Leadership #CompanyCulture #Franchise #Franchising #FranchiseOwner #Entrepreneurship #BusinessOperatingSystem #FinancialLiteracy #CashFlow #EmployeeEngagement #Accountability #OwnershipMindset #JackStack #SteveBaker #UnemployablePodcast #JeffDudan

The 3 BIGGEST Energy Mistakes Killing Your Vibe with "Energy Expert" Erin King  Mar 02, 2026

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CHECK OUT THE FULL EPISODE HERE!

What if you don’t actually have “low energy”… you just have BLOCKS In this powerful conversation with Erin King: @MrsErinKing , we break down the real science of vibe, leadership energy, and why trying to “do more” is actually draining you. You’ll learn why energy isn’t something you create — it’s something you access. We unpack: The 3 biggest energy mistakes killing your vibe Why quitting isn’t the answer (shifting is) How clarity instantly boosts your energy The 5 energy types — and how to discover yours Why Oprah’s biggest success came from a demotion How leaders accidentally drain their teams The difference between high energy and aligned energy If you’ve felt burned out, stuck, disconnected, or unclear about your next move — this will change how you think about performance forever. Energy cannot be created or destroyed… but it CAN be blocked. And most people are living with boulders in their stream.

Learn more about Erin King and her work here: 👉 https://erinking.com

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👍 Like this video if it shifted your perspective 💬 Comment below: Which energy mistake are you making right now?

📤 Share this with someone who feels drained or stuck

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#ErinKing #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #HighPerformance #EnergyManagement #PeakPerformance #BurnoutRecovery #PersonalGrowth #MindsetShift #Clarity #DecisionMaking #EntrepreneurMindset #ExecutiveLeadership #PerformancePsychology #SelfImprovement #BusinessLeadership #FlowState #LifeSatisfaction #Motivation #PodcastInterview

The 4 Freedoms Entrepreneurship Buys You (And How to Earn Them) with Jeff Dudan Feb 27, 2026

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Grab a FREE copy of Jeff Dudan's Book Discernment HERE

Freedom is the point. But freedom means different things depending on how you grew up, what you value, and what you’re willing to risk. In this episode of Franchise Fridays, I break down the 4 freedoms entrepreneurship can create — and how to think about building them intentionally: ✅ Freedom of Opportunity — more options, more pathways, more control over “what’s next” ✅ Freedom to Pursue Curiosity — following the thread that turns problems into innovation ✅ Freedom to Create Great Experiences — choosing the who, when, and where that make life meaningful ✅ Financial Freedom — security, continuity, and building assets that matter long-term A friend of mine says he builds businesses so he can do what he wants, when he wants, wherever he wants, with whomever he wants. That might sound selfish… until you realize that freedom is what allows you to be present, generous, and fully engaged — by choice. If you’re serious about building something real, the property services industry is one of the most durable, resilient sectors in franchising — built to perform in any market and any economy. Grab a FREE copy of Jeff Dudan's Book Discernment HERE

🏠 Explore franchise opportunities at Homefront Brands: 👉 https://www.homefrontbrands.com

If you want more episodes like this, subscribe, and drop a comment: Which freedom matters most to you right now — opportunity, curiosity, experiences, or financial freedom? Stay sharp, stay focused, and stay unemployable — in the best way possible.

#FranchiseFridays #Entrepreneurship #FinancialFreedom #BusinessOwnership #Franchising #HomeServices #HomefrontBrands #Unemployable

3,500 Speeches Later… Here’s What Actually Commands a Room with Phil M. Jones Feb 25, 2026

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Claim a Free Copy of Jeff Dudan’s Book “Discernment”: 👉 https://podcast.homefrontbrands.com/en-us/discernment

Connect with Phil M Jones: 🌐 https://www.philmjones.com 🌐 https://www.exactlywhattosay.com

Most leaders think confidence comes from eliminating filler words. Phil M Jones says that’s wrong. In this episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, Phil breaks down what actually creates authority in a room — and it’s not better vocabulary. It’s mastering the moment. With over 3,500 presentations delivered in 59 countries, Phil explains: Why tension creates attention The power of adding a “third speed of speech” Why scripts don’t create authority — moments do The difference between presenting and performing How to command a room without raising your voice Why leaders must become the “pacemaker” in conversations If you lead franchisees, teams, operators, or rooms full of decision-makers — this conversation will change how you communicate. Confidence isn’t about removing “um.” It’s about controlling cadence. And once you understand that — the game changes.

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👉 Subscribe to Unemployable Claim Your Free Copy of “Discernment”: 👉 https://podcast.homefrontbrands.com/en-us/discernment

Connect with Phil M Jones: 🌐 https://www.philmjones.com

🌐 https://www.exactlywhattosay.com

#JeffDudan #UnemployablePodcast #PhilMJones #LeadershipCommunication #PublicSpeaking #ExecutivePresence #EntrepreneurPodcast #FranchiseLeadership #BusinessLeadership #ExactlyWhatToSay

He Got FIRED… Then Built 12+ Companies (And Sold Them) With Troy Hazard Feb 24, 2026

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FREE COPY OF JEFF'S BOOK DISCERNMENT HERE

What happens when you get FIRED… and it becomes the best thing that ever happened to you? In this episode of The Unemployable Podcast, Jeff Dudan sits down with serial entrepreneur, investor, and former Global President of EO, Troy Hazard. From Australian radio announcer… to building and selling 12+ companies… to turning around distressed businesses and exiting to private equity — Troy shares the exact mindset, leadership philosophy, and exit strategy that changed his life. 🔥 Inside this episode: Why you should start with the end in mind The #1 mistake founders make before they sell How to buy “broken” businesses the right way The real power of EO & YPO Why AI won’t replace humans (if you position yourself correctly) How to make yourself redundant in your own company The leadership habit that fixes culture fast If you’re an entrepreneur, franchise owner, investor, or future founder — this episode is a masterclass.

🚀 CONNECT WITH JEFF DUDAN Official Website: https://www.JeffDudan.com

Homefront Brands: https://www.HomefrontBrands.com

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🌍 CONNECT WITH TROY HAZARD Official Website: https://www.TroyHazard.com

Speaking & Media: https://www.TroyHazard.com

Video Library: https://vimeo.com/troyhazard Troy answers his own emails — reach out directly.

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FREE COPY OF JEFF'S BOOK DISCERNMENT HERE

#Entrepreneur #BusinessGrowth #Franchising #PrivateEquity #StartupLife #Leadership #EO #YPO #Unemployable #JeffDudan #TroyHazard #BusinessPodcast #ExitStrategy #AI #FounderLife

Franchise Tech Strategy: When to Build, When to Buy (AI Changes Everything) Feb 20, 2026

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Get a FREE COPY of Jeff Dudan’s book DISCERNMENT here: https://podcast.homefrontbrands.com/en-us/discernment

Technology can accelerate your franchise system. Or quietly break it. In this Franchise Friday segment, I sit down with Jaffrey Ali from FranConnect to answer one of the most important questions facing franchisors today: Should you build your own technology — or buy it? We break down: Why “finite resources” matter more than you think The hidden risk of AI shortcuts and “vibe coding” The real ROI framework for build vs. buy decisions Why security, certifications, and compliance can’t be ignored How AI is crushing development costs — but raising operational uncertainty Why single-modality “Frankenstein stacks” are disappearing What serious SaaS companies are doing with AI (and why they’re not upcharging for it) What the next 1–3 years look like in franchising Here’s the reality: AI is lowering the cost of building software. It’s also increasing complexity, usage-based cost exposure, and security risk. The brands that win won’t be the ones chasing shiny objects. They’ll be the ones asking: What business are we truly in? F

ranchising is accelerating. Entrepreneurship is rising. AI is putting better data into the hands of buyers. The future belongs to well-run, relationship-driven franchise brands with high engagement and real unit-level economics. If you’re a franchisor — or thinking about becoming one — this conversation matters.

Learn more about building a smarter franchise system: https://homefrontbrands.com

Get a FREE COPY of Jeff Dudan’s book DISCERNMENT here: https://podcast.homefrontbrands.com/en-us/discernment

Why Customers Recommend One Company and Forget the Other with Brittany Hodak Feb 18, 2026

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📘 Grab Jeff Dudan’s book Discernment: https://www.jeffdudan.com/discernment

Why do people wear another man’s name on their back? Why do fans believe their socks determine whether their team wins? And what does any of that have to do with roofing, plumbing, or installing fences? In this segment from Unemployable, Jeff Dudan sits down with Brittany Hodak to break down the psychology of fandom — and how even “boring” service brands can create customers who come back and bring their friends. You’ll learn: Why people affiliate with brands How tribal psychology drives loyalty Why being great at your job is just the floor The real reason customers refer one company and forget another How to become “easier to refer than to forget” If you’re in home services, franchising, or any local service business — this one matters.

📘 Learn more from Brittany: https://brittanyhodak.com https://6weekstosuperfans.com

#CustomerExperience #BrandLoyalty #ReferralMarketing #HomeServices #FranchiseBusiness #ServiceBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BrandStrategy #CustomerRetention #UnemployablePodcast

The Great Game of Business: Why This Works When Everything Else Fails #249 Feb 17, 2026

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Get a FREE COPY of Jeff Dudan’s book DISCERNMENT here

What if the key to building a winning company isn’t charisma… but teaching everyone the score? In this episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, Jeff sits down with Jack Stack, founder of the Great Game of Business and pioneer of open-book management. After surviving the collapse of International Harvester in the 1980s, Jack helped lead a leveraged buyout and discovered a painful truth: most leaders don’t truly understand their numbers. That realization became a movement. In this conversation, they break down: -Why companies hide financial information -Why financial literacy is the biggest leadership gap in business -How small operational wins compound into massive enterprise value -Why manufacturing matters -The danger of too much overhead and not enough direct labor -How teaching ownership changes people’s personal lives -Why talent — not strategy — will determine future valuations -The role of AI in leadership and business clarity -The simple principle that can change a child’s future Jack’s closing message is simple: “Teach a kid how to make a buck.” Learn more about The Great Game of Business

Watch the full episode and see why ownership and transparency create winning cultures. Absolutely. Here’s a strong, optimized hashtag block for this episode — built around leadership, ownership, financial literacy, manufacturing, and Jack Stack’s brand.

Get a FREE COPY of Jeff Dudan’s book DISCERNMENT here

#JackStack #JeffDudan #UnemployablePodcast #GreatGameOfBusiness #OpenBookManagement #FinancialLiteracy #EmployeeOwnership #ESOP #BusinessLeadership #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipDevelopment #OwnershipMindset #CompanyCulture #BusinessTurnaround #ManufacturingMatters #LeadershipTransparency #ScaleYourBusiness #WinningCulture #FinancialEducation #BuildToWin

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