You Don’t Have to Suffer to Succeed

In Episode 254 of The Business Development Podcast, we sit down with Kapil Kalra, the passionate force behind Naturemary and a powerhouse in the world of natural wellness. Kapil opens up about his early days working in his family’s grocery store in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and how those humble beginnings shaped his unshakable work ethic. From selling electronics to launching a national wellness brand, Kapil’s journey is packed with gritty determination, unfiltered lessons, and the relentless belief that heart and hustle can take you anywhere.This episode dives deep into the emotional and entrepreneurial rollercoaster of building something that matters—from overcoming rejection and burnout to building partnerships and scaling a mission-driven brand. Kapil shares how Naturemary was born out of family healing, the lessons he’s learned about team, branding, and momentum, and why purpose is more important than ever in today’s business world. If you’re building with heart, this one’s for you.Key takeaways: 1. Success often begins with a simple intention to help someone, not a perfectly laid-out business plan.2. When you build a brand from a place of heart and purpose, it resonates far deeper than just features or pricing.3. Rejection doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path—it often means you’re being redirected to a better one.4. Some of the most powerful businesses are born from solving a real, personal problem you deeply care about.5. Choosing the right business partner means finding someone whose strengths cover your blind spots—and vice versa.6. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect—clarity and momentum come through taking action, not overthinking.7. Working nonstop might feel productive at first, but without rest and balance, burnout will eventually catch up to you.8. When your brand voice is honest and real, you attract customers who genuinely believe in what you’re doing.9. Burnout isn’t always from doing too much—it’s often a sign you’ve lost touch with why you started in the first place.10. Passion is a great spark, but pairing it with relentless effort is what actually builds something worth talking about.Links referenced in this episode:capitalbd.canaturemary.comkellykennedyofficial.comJoin The Catalyst ClubConnect with a powerhouse community of entrepreneurs, business developers, and leaders who get it. Inside The Catalyst Club, you’ll find weekly events, expert-led workshops, and real conversations that drive growth. If you’re ready to level up with the right people in your corner, this is where you belong.Join now at: www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub

13 Juli 1h 7min

In Episode 253 of The Business Development Podcast, we dive into Part 3 of the Podcast Playbook and walk you through how to build a podcast brand that captures attention and drives growth. From naming your show with clarity and SEO in mind to designing high-impact cover art and creating intros and outros that set the tone, this episode is packed with tactical advice to help you stand out. Kelly Kennedy shares how getting the name right from day one can make or break discoverability, why securing your domain early is critical, and how to align your podcast’s visuals and tone with your target audience and long-term goals.Whether you're starting from scratch or refining your show’s identity, this episode gives you the tools to create a podcast brand that not only looks and sounds professional but connects deeply with the people you're trying to reach. Kelly also shares personal lessons from launching The Business Development Podcast and Authentic Hustle, offering real-world insight into what works and what doesn’t when building a show that resonates. If you're serious about launching a podcast that gets noticed—this is the one you can't miss.Key Takeaways: 1. Passion drives consistency if you don’t love your topic, your audience won’t either.2. Commit to 100 episodes from day one if you want to compete with the best.3. Define your ideal listener so every episode speaks directly to their needs.4. Deliver transformation in every episode by educating, inspiring, or entertaining with purpose.5. Choose a format that fits your strengths whether solo, guest, or hybrid, and evolve as you grow.6. Your voice is your greatest advantage because authenticity beats imitation every time.7. Clear, searchable names outperform clever titles by making your value obvious.8. Secure the .com for your podcast name to protect your brand and boost discoverability.9. Your cover art is your first impression so keep it bold, simple, and mobile-friendly.10. Craft a strong intro and outro because they define your tone and make your show memorable.🔥 Join the Catalyst Club and connect with founders, leaders, and business developers who get it. Weekly live events, expert sessions, and real support—all for just $29/month. Let’s grow together at www.kellykennedyofficial.com.🔥 Join the next Accelerator and build a revenue engine you can trust: www.kellykennedyofficial.com/accelerator

9 Juli 41min

In Episode 252, Kelly is joined by Ben Wise and Darren Chiu—two senior leaders at Google and co-founders of Captivate—for a raw and insightful breakdown of what truly drives persuasion in today’s world. They reveal why facts alone don’t move people, and how emotional strategy, trust, and authenticity are the real keys to influence. From sales calls to boardrooms, they show how mastering emotional connection will radically transform how you pitch, sell, and lead.Packed with powerful concepts like the Pratfall Effect and the Maya Principle, this conversation digs into how the best communicators choose the emotion they want to elicit—before they speak. You’ll learn how to make people feel, how to build trust through imperfection, and how to stop pitching and start persuading. This episode isn’t just advice—it’s a playbook for anyone who wants to connect deeper, sell smarter, and lead with impact.Key Takeaways: 1. Emotion is the first trigger in any decision-making process, and facts only come into play after the emotional choice is made.2. Building trust and genuine human connection will always outperform even the most logical, fact-filled pitch.3. Before you pitch, define the exact emotion you want your audience to feel—then tailor everything around creating that feeling.4. Storytelling is a persuasion superpower because it activates emotion, builds relatability, and makes your message memorable.5. Showing imperfection, like spilling coffee or tripping on stage, can make you more likable and trustworthy to your audience.6. The MAYA Principle teaches that the best ideas feel new but still familiar—too much innovation too fast creates rejection.7. True persuasion happens when you listen actively and adjust your message based on what the other person feels and needs.8. Salespeople who focus less on impressing and more on understanding are consistently more effective and trusted.9. Even cold outreach can create trust if it’s written with warmth, relevance, and emotional awareness.10. Long-term success in persuasion doesn’t come from learning every trick—it comes from practicing and mastering a few core principles.🔥 Ready to take your business development to the next level?Join The Catalyst Club for coaching, workshops, and a private community built for business developers like you—just $29/month.Or go deeper with 1:1 or Group - Business Development Mastery Coaching and build a system that closes.Join Now: www.kellykennedyofficial.com

6 Juli 1h 6min

In Podcast Playbook (Part 2), Kelly Kennedy rips the fluff off podcast tech and gives you the real, unfiltered truth about the gear that actually matters. If you’re serious about launching a podcast that sounds world-class, this episode is your blueprint. From computers and microphones to audio interfaces and headphones, Kelly breaks down what to buy, why it matters, and how to build a pro-level setup without wasting a dollar. No gimmicks. No jargon. Just clarity and confidence to build your studio the right way—whether you’re in a spare bedroom or a full production space.But this isn’t just about gear—it’s about showing up like a pro from day one. Kelly explains why audio quality is make-or-break, why your computer is the real unsung hero, and how the right setup positions you for long-term podcast success. This episode will cut months off your learning curve and set you up to hit record with power and purpose. If you want to build a podcast that’s built to last, Episode 251 is non-negotiable.Key Takeaways: 1. Your computer is the most critical piece of podcasting equipment—editing and production demand serious processing power.2. A gaming laptop or desktop is often the best choice due to its high-end GPU, CPU, RAM, and SSD performance.3. Sound quality can make or break your show; even great content won’t save you if the audio hurts people’s ears.4. USB microphones are great for beginners, but XLR microphones paired with an interface deliver far superior sound and control.5. A quality audio interface like the Rodecaster Pro 2 allows for zero-latency monitoring, clean gain control, and pro-level audio routing.6. Headphones are non-negotiable—they prevent feedback, help monitor sound live, and allow you to edit with precision.7. Bluetooth headphones introduce latency—always go wired when producing or editing your show.8. You don’t need a full studio to sound professional—a home setup with the right gear can match broadcast quality.9. Start with a setup you can grow into—XLR systems are scalable and used by nearly all professional podcasters.10. Equipment helps—but consistency, connection, and your message are what truly build a great podcast.Ready to build something that lasts?The Catalyst Club isn’t just another business community—it’s your backstage pass to real growth. If you’re a founder, executive, podcaster, or builder chasing clarity, connection, and momentum, this is where you belong. Inside, you'll find exclusive coaching, behind-the-scenes strategy, live events, and a rockstar crew of high-performers pushing the edge just like you.No fluff. No noise. Just fuel for what you're building.Join us: www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclubIf you know, you're known.Companies mentioned in this episode: Capital Adobe Lenovo Electro Voice Shure Rode Audio Technica Bayer Dynamic Focusrite Motu

2 Juli 38min

In this milestone 250th episode, host Kelly Kennedy sits down with Janice Baskin, Manager of the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network (ERIN), for a deep dive into how Alberta entrepreneurs can better navigate the complex ecosystem of supports, funding, and opportunities available to them. From breaking down the role of ERIN as a connector organization to sharing personal insights from her own entrepreneurial journey, Janice offers a transparent and practical look at what’s working—and what’s still missing—for founders across Edmonton and beyond.Together, Kelly and Janice explore the reality of growing a business in Alberta, including the challenges of accessing support, the confusion many founders face when searching for help, and the gaps that still exist in serving women in tech and growth-stage companies. Whether you're launching a startup, scaling an established business, or just trying to figure out what’s available to you, this episode is a must-listen playbook for understanding how to plug into Edmonton’s rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem.Key Takeaways: 1. Entrepreneurs often don’t know what support exists, and lack of awareness remains one of the biggest barriers to growth in Alberta.2. You don’t need to go broke to start a business—service-based models can be profitable early with smart planning and clear value.3. There’s support available for more than just startups; growth-stage companies struggling to scale can also access funding and guidance.4. The ecosystem is powerful but disconnected, and what’s truly missing is a central connector to guide founders through what’s available.5. ERIN exists purely to support entrepreneurs, without taking equity or fees, and is funded entirely by Alberta Innovates.6. Gaps still exist—especially around women in tech and programming that supports underrepresented founders.7. Balance as an entrepreneur isn’t daily, it’s seasonal; the key is recognizing when to push and when to rest.8. Ask the “dumb” questions, especially when it comes to finances—avoiding them leads to much bigger problems later.9. Warm connections and intros can shortcut weeks of confusion and open real doors inside the ecosystem.10. If a solution isn’t a fit, don’t stop—ERIN’s role is to keep helping you explore options until the right one clicks.Companies mentioned in this episode: Hypervac Technologies Fabled Solutions atWork Office Furniture Capital Business Development BDC Canada Alberta Innovates Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Edmonton Unlimited Edmonton Regional Innovation Network💥 Want to go deeper into conversations like this? Join The Catalyst Club—the official community for listeners of The Business Development Podcast.Inside, you’ll get access to exclusive content, live coaching events, and real connection with founders, business developers, and leaders from across Canada and beyond. This is where the real conversations happen.🎟️ Become a member today and level up your growth:https://www.kellykennedyofficial.com/If you know, you're known.🔥

29 Juni 1h

In this milestone 249th episode of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy kicks off the highly requested Podcast Playbook series with brutal honesty and real talk about what it actually takes to start—and sustain—a successful podcast. As one of the few shows to break into the top 1% globally with over 250 episodes, Kelly shares the behind-the-scenes truths that most people won’t tell you. From fighting fear and imposter syndrome to the time, cost, and consistency required, this episode lays bare the emotional and tactical realities of podcasting in 2025. If you’ve ever considered launching your own show, this episode will either light your fire—or save you from a painful false start.More than just a technical how-to, Part 1 is a mindset check. It answers the real question: Is podcasting right for you and your business? Kelly unpacks the power of podcasting as a long-term trust engine, global growth tool, and thought leadership platform—but only if you’re truly ready to commit. Whether you're a business owner, executive, or aspiring content creator, this is your must-listen starting point. Get ready to decide: Are you in for the long game, or just flirting with the idea?Key Takeaways: 1. Podcasting is a long game that requires consistent effort before any return shows up. Expect to invest months, not weeks.2. If you don't genuinely enjoy it, you'll burn out. Passion and energy are what keep you going when it gets tough.3. The biggest challenge is internal. Fear, self-doubt, and ego will try to stop you more than any technical hurdle.4. If you're an expert in your field, you owe it to the next generation to share what you know.5. Chasing trends won't sustain you. Podcasting only works long term if you're doing it for the right reasons.6. Each episode takes real time. From prep to post-production, it’s hours of effort per release.7. Podcasting is about trust. Your listeners build a relationship with you, and that connection is your real asset.8. Small audiences can be incredibly powerful. Fifty loyal listeners can change your business if they’re the right ones.9. Your podcast should tie into your greater mission. Done well, it becomes a growth engine for visibility, leads, and reputation.10. There is no easy button. The only way to make podcasting work is to show up, stay committed, and keep improving every step of the way.Want to go deeper with business development, podcasting, and personal growth?Join The Catalyst Club — our private community for entrepreneurs, founders, and leaders who are serious about leveling up. Inside, you’ll get access to live workshops, expert Q&As, Coffee with Rockstars, and exclusive support from people who actually get it. It’s not just another group. It’s momentum, connection, and growth—all in one place.All for just $29/month. Join us today at www.kellykennedyofficial.comIf you know, you're known.

25 Juni 42min

In Episode 248 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly reconnects with community builder and master storyteller Ken Gee to explore how authentic storytelling builds the trust and relationships that make business happen. Ken shares lessons from decades spent connecting people, growing communities, and using stories to showcase what makes businesses special. From his broadcasting roots to horse racing and AK Media, Ken shows how trust and genuine connection always outperform flashy marketing.Together, Kelly and Ken break down why businesses today need stories that feel real — and why telling them well on social media, video, and in person is more powerful than any cold pitch. They dive into the importance of asking the right questions, listening more than talking, and showing up where your community actually is. If you want your audience to trust you, refer you, and stick with you — this episode is your playbook.Key Takeaways: 1. Building trust beats any sales pitch — people buy from who they trust and who others trust.2. Storytelling isn’t about hype; it’s about revealing what’s genuinely unique about your business.3. Great stories come from asking better questions and really listening to people’s answers.4. Community is the backbone of referrals — invest in people and they’ll invest in you.5. Social media should be intentional; posting just to post doesn’t build real connection.6. Video shows personality, trustworthiness, and relatability better than any static post.7. You can’t replace showing up in person — real connections still close deals faster than cold calls.8. It’s not about who you know but who they introduce you to — warm leads matter more than volume.9. If you want opportunity, open your mouth and talk about what you’re building — people will help.10. Success doesn’t come from shortcuts; it comes from consistently doing the unglamorous work.Learn more about Kelly Kennedy, The Catalyst Club, and all our coaching programs at KellyKennedyOfficial.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: KellyKennedyOfficial.com Capital Business Development AK Media Jasper Place Wellness Center

22 Juni 1h 6min

In episode 247 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy gets real about something every high performer faces but rarely talks about: overwhelm. Sharing his own packed calendar and the pressure to juggle it all, Kelly walks listeners through why we end up so overloaded, the habits that make it worse, and how to take back control without burning out. He reminds us that saying no, protecting our time, and focusing on what truly moves the needle can turn chaos into progress and help us show up as better leaders, partners, and people.This episode is both a reality check and a permission slip to slow down and breathe. Kelly lays out seven practical ways to break the cycle of overwhelm, from building a simple weekly Move the Needle list to creating breathing room in your calendar and learning to say “not right now” instead of always saying yes. He closes by inviting listeners to find support and community inside The Catalyst Club, where like-minded leaders lift each other up. If your to-do list feels impossible, this episode is the reset you didn’t know you needed.Key Takeaways:1. Overwhelm is often self-created by high performers who say yes too often and overestimate their capacity.2. Action in the right direction matters more than doing everything perfectly or all at once.3. Building structure and planning tasks in a calendar helps prevent chaos and burnout.4. A simple weekly Move the Needle list keeps you focused on true priorities, not just busy work.5. Adding realistic buffers to your schedule protects you from unexpected curveballs.6. Saying “not right now” is a powerful skill to protect your energy without burning bridges.7. Focused, uninterrupted work blocks outperform scattered multitasking every time.8. Protecting rest time—your evenings, weekends, and sleep—makes you more effective in the long run.9. Asking for help and delegating isn’t weakness; it lightens the load and builds community.10. Regularly reviewing what works and what doesn’t keeps you from repeating the same overwhelm cycle.✨ Join The Catalyst Club – You Belong HereIf this episode hit home, you're exactly who The Catalyst Club was built for. This is more than a community — it's your support system, your strategy hub, and your space to grow without burning out.Inside, you'll find:Weekly live workshops, coaching, and Q&AA network of high-performance founders, business developers, and leaders who get itTools, templates, and systems to build real momentumEncouragement, community, accountability, and clarity when you need it mostYou don’t have to do business development alone — and you don’t have to keep pretending everything’s fine when it isn’t.You belong here.Let’s build something sustainable, powerful, and built to last.🔗 Join us inside The Catalyst Club:www.kellykennedyofficial.com/TheCatalystClub

18 Juni 28min