“You do have to set your goals. And I found that over time, anybody who has set a goal usually will reach it. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. But most people do reach those goals.”

Counterterrorism isn’t just the stuff of spy novels—it’s a masterclass in thinking fast, adapting faster, and staying cool when everything’s on fire (sometimes literally). This episode unpacks the high-stakes world of counterterrorism operations and draws surprisingly practical lessons for navigating the chaos of entrepreneurship. If you’ve ever wondered what hostage negotiations and scaling a business have in common, this one’s for you.

Our guest delivers jaw-dropping stories from his time as a State Department counterterrorism agent, including moments of brilliance, catastrophic missteps, and everything in between. He breaks down how making decisions under pressure, owning your failures, and building strong, adaptable teams are critical—whether you’re chasing terrorists or chasing quarterly goals. Spoiler alert: it’s all about playing the long game and knowing when to pivot.

Fred Burton is a former State Department special agent, bestselling author, and all-around expert in counterterrorism and crisis management. His books, Beirut Rules, Ghost, and Chasing Shadows, offer unmatched insights into the complexities of global security and leadership under fire. When he’s not sharing his wisdom, he’s probably plotting the next page-turner that’ll keep you up all night.

Expert action steps:

1. Stay Optimistic

Remember that no matter how challenging the situation, tomorrow is a new day with new opportunities.

2. Set Clear Goals

Establish meaningful objectives and stay committed to them. While the journey may be difficult, persistence often leads to success.

3. Support Others

Offer encouragement and advice to those who may need it. Helping others can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth.

Learn more and connect:

You can find information about Fred’s books, upcoming events, latest news, and contact details on his official website: https://www.officialfredburton.com/.

1. Beirut Rules by Fred Burton

https://a.co/d/cFt9K27

2. Ghost by Fred Burton

https://a.co/d/9odzHGj

3. Chasing Shadows by Fred Burton

https://a.co/d/a38m8e3

4. Area 51 by Annie Jacobsen

https://www.amazon.com/Area-51-Uncensored-Americas-Mystery/dp/0316132942

Visit eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.

“Podcast listeners and hosts have the highest income and net worth profile in all social media. Psychologically, these folks are action takers, endures, they’re looking to solve their problems and get to the next level.”

Marketing isn’t dead—it’s just evolving, and fast. The smartest entrepreneurs are ditching outdated, ad-heavy tactics and embracing the power of podcast guesting to generate leads, close deals, and build authority. The key? Long-form, unscripted conversations that resonate with audiences tired of being “sold to” and craving authenticity.

In this episode, we explore how podcast guesting has become the secret weapon for business growth, drawing on lessons from recent high-profile success stories (hint: think elections). You’ll learn why traditional marketing’s ROI is sinking and how showing up on podcasts can help you tap into a goldmine of engaged listeners. The guest breaks it down step by step: no fancy tech, no huge ad spend, just real talk that builds trust and drives results.

Expert Action Steps

1. Embrace Podcast Guesting

Begin positioning yourself as a guest expert on relevant podcasts. Identify shows with an audience that aligns with your target market and pitch yourself with a clear message about the value you can provide. Focus on authenticity and storytelling to build trust with listeners.

2. Leverage Long-Form Content

Use podcast appearances as a platform to dive deep into your expertise. Highlight how your services or products solve real problems. Long-form, unscripted conversations allow you to connect authentically with an audience, humanizing your brand and establishing authority in your niche.

3. Optimize the ROI of Your Marketing Efforts

Shift your budget and energy away from costly ads with declining ROI. Instead, invest time in podcast guesting, which requires minimal cost and offers a high return by directly engaging potential clients, investors, or partners in meaningful conversations.

Visit eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.

“The most important investment you can make is in yourself. It’s not just about dollars—it’s about building a life that reflects your best self.”

Real talk: growth doesn’t come from sipping lattes in a comfy chair. It’s forged in the messiest, hardest moments when life punches you in the gut. This episode dives into the grit required to turn suffering into strength and pain into purpose. It’s not about avoiding hardship; it’s about learning to dance with it—and maybe even throw a few punches back. Packed with stories that’ll make you think, laugh, and maybe cringe, this conversation is your blueprint for thriving when the going gets tough.

Meet Rob Dubois, a guy who knows a thing or two about grit. From surviving a rough childhood to earning his stripes as a Navy SEAL, Rob’s journey is a masterclass in resilience. He doesn’t just talk the talk—he’s walked the hardest paths and come out stronger. In this episode, Rob spills his secrets on how embracing discomfort can transform you into a person you actually want to be. Spoiler alert: it’s not easy, but it’s worth it.

Rob Dubois is a former Navy SEAL, leadership coach, and founder of Impact Actual. He’s spent decades mastering the art of thriving in chaos and now helps others unlock their potential with a mix of wisdom, humor, and a no-nonsense approach to life. If you’re ready to stop running from pain and start growing from it, this episode’s for you.

Expert action steps:

1. Commit Fully to Growth: Make an “all-in” commitment as the first step to overcoming adversity and achieving transformation.

2. Trust the Process: The importance of surrendering to a structured process, even when it feels counterintuitive or challenging, is highlighted as a cornerstone of personal development.

3. Cultivate Self-Discipline: Stopping destructive behaviors like addiction and committing to habits aligned with integrity and health is presented as a critical action for long-term success.

Learn more about Rob at the Impact Actual Website: https://impactactual.com.

Visit eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.