Right About Now - Legendary Business Advice

AI is changing more than workflows — it is changing what teams are, how leaders lead, and what kinds of people businesses need next. In this episode, Ryan Alford talks with Veronica Shelton, co-founder of Oak Theory, about accessibility, inclusive design, neurodivergent thinking, leadership without ego, and why curiosity is often the trait that separates good founders from great ones. They also go deep on the practical side of AI adoption: how roles are blending, how companies can stay lean without losing humanity, and why resisting change is no longer a viable option. Ryan connects with Veronica especially around founder leadership, team evolution, and the challenge of helping people adapt to a world where AI is becoming part of nearly every role. The result is a smart, current conversation for anyone building a company, managing creative work, or trying to understand where modern work is actually headed. Topics Covered Veronica Shelton’s path into product design and creative tech Why curiosity drives real success Accessibility, psychology, and better digital experiences The human implications of AI at work How Oak Theory is evolving team roles with AI Why leaders need to drop ego and tell the truth Ryan Alford and Veronica Shelton on what adaptation really looks like Links Oak Theory: oaktheory.co Under the Oak: undertheoak.co Veronica Shelton on LinkedIn: LinkedIn profile for Oak Theory co-founder Veronica Shelton. Right About Now / Ryan Alford: ryanisright.com

Every entrepreneur talks about the breakthrough. Fewer talk honestly about the rejection, chaos, and setbacks that come first. In this themed compilation episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford brings together powerful moments from conversations with Alex Morton, Jen Gottlieb, Ken Wentworth, and other guests who know what it means to rebuild, reinvent, and push through resistance. The result is a sharp, motivating episode about what really creates traction: resilience, self-awareness, better decision-making, and the willingness to execute before you feel ready. Ryan ties these conversations together with the bigger lesson behind the show: breakthroughs do not come from consuming more information. They come from acting on the right insight at the right time and refusing to stay stuck. Topics Covered Rock bottom moments that became turning points Why rejection is often the start of real progress Authenticity, confidence, and reinvention in business The first win that changes how you see opportunity Strategic financial thinking and margin improvement Why execution matters more than motivation How Ryan Alford frames resilience across every industry Connect Ryan Alford / Right About Now: RyanIsRight.com Social Media: @RyanAlford Join our newsletter: https://ryans-newsletter-148404.beehiiv.com/

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford speaks with Khalil Zahar, CEO of FightCamp, about the realities of building a startup from the ground up. Khalil shares the challenges of launching a hardware-based business, including manufacturing risks, financial pressure, and the critical “valley of death” stage that many startups never survive. They also discuss the importance of growth, team dynamics, and maintaining momentum through both high-growth periods and difficult downturns. This episode offers practical insights and hard-earned lessons for entrepreneurs navigating the realities of building and scaling a business. 🔑 Topics Covered Startup challenges in hardware businesses Growth and revenue as key drivers Leadership and team management Navigating setbacks and failure Building long-term resilience 🤝 Connect Ryan Alford 👉 https://www.rightaboutnow.com 👉 https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford Khalil Zahar 👉 https://www.fightcamp.com 👉 https://www.instagram.com/fightcamp 👉 https://www.instagram.com/khalilzahar

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford speaks with Scott Clary about the rapid rise of AI and its impact on business, careers, and opportunity. Scott shares why adopting AI is no longer optional and how these tools are enabling individuals to scale output, test ideas faster, and build businesses with fewer resources than ever before. They also discuss the mindset required to succeed, including self-belief, removing limiting assumptions, and adapting quickly to new technology. This episode provides practical insights for anyone looking to stay competitive in an AI-driven world. 🔑 Topics Covered AI’s impact on business and productivity One-person business models Execution speed as a competitive advantage Mindset and risk-taking AI-first thinking 🤝 Connect Ryan Alford 👉 https://www.ryanisright.com 👉 https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford Scott Clary 👉 https://www.instagram.com/scottdclary 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottclary 👉 https://successstorypodcast.com

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Lily Vittayarukskul, founder of Waterlily, to explore the intersection of AI, aging, and financial planning. The conversation highlights how advancements in AI are enabling more personalized predictions around long-term care needs, helping individuals and families better understand future costs and risks. Ryan and Lily also discuss the broader implications of AI on wealth creation, economic inequality, and the importance of adapting to new technologies in order to stay competitive. This episode offers valuable insight for anyone looking to better prepare for the financial realities of the future. 🔑 Topics Covered Long-term care planning and financial risk AI-driven predictions and personalized data insights Wealth building and protection strategies Economic impact of emerging technologies Business and entrepreneurship in an AI-driven world 🤝 Connect Ryan Alford 👉 https://www.ryanalford.com 👉 https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford Lily Vittayarukskul 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-vittayarukskul/ 👉 https://waterlily.com

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Ben Johnston to explore the current state of the economy and what it means for small business owners. The conversation covers inflation, interest rates, global conflict, and supply chain disruption, offering a grounded perspective on how these forces are shaping business conditions today. Ryan and Ben also discuss the growing role of AI, including how it’s improving efficiency, reducing labor needs, and enabling more individuals to launch businesses independently. Whether you're running a business or tracking economic trends, this episode provides practical insight into navigating uncertainty and staying competitive. 🔑 Topics Covered Economic conditions affecting small businesses Inflation, interest rates, and consumer spending Global supply chain challenges and disruptions AI’s role in business operations and workforce changes Solopreneur growth and lean business models Strategic advice for business owners

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford speaks with Anders Hansen about the role of perception, belief systems, and mental conditioning in shaping personal and professional outcomes. The conversation explores how the subconscious mind drives the majority of behavior, how assumptions influence decision-making, and why people often remain stuck in limiting patterns. They also discuss the importance of intuition, the impact of gratitude on mindset, and practical ways to shift perspective to create meaningful, lasting change. 🔑 Topics Covered Mental conditioning and subconscious behavior Beliefs and their impact on results Intuition vs logic in decision-making Gratitude and mindset shifts Personal transformation strategies 🤝 Connect Ryan Alford Website: https://www.ryanalford.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/RyanAlford Right About Now Podcast: https://www.ryanisright.com Anders Hansen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realandershansen Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realandershansen Company / Real Magic: https://www.realmagic.live LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andershansen

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford is joined by Chad Bronstein and Terri Francis to explore what it takes to build a brand in a highly competitive industry. Drawing from their experience launching Real American Beer, the conversation dives into the realities of distribution, the importance of relationships, and the challenges of scaling without massive resources. They also discuss how marketing, culture, and lifestyle integration play a critical role in long-term success—and why understanding your ecosystem matters more than ever in today’s business environment. 🔑 Topics Covered Distribution challenges and the three-tier system The role of relationships in business growth Scaling a brand without large budgets Marketing strategies in competitive industries Building a lifestyle-driven brand Long-term growth and ecosystem thinking 🤝 Connect with the Hosts & Guests Ryan Alford  https://www.ryanisright.com Chad Bronstein and Terri Francis Website — https://therealamerican.com https://www.realamericanfreestyle.com/ Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/drinkrab

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford is joined by Ashley Stahl to explore what it really takes to build a personal brand that creates opportunities. Ashley breaks down the critical difference between credibility and authority, and why many professionals get stuck building experience without ever becoming known for it. She shares how leveraging platforms like TEDx and YouTube can accelerate visibility—and how one well-crafted message can compound over time. This episode is packed with practical insights on positioning, messaging, and how to turn attention into something meaningful—whether that’s clients, speaking opportunities, or long-term brand equity. 🔑 Topics Covered Credibility vs authority in personal branding Building visibility that actually converts The role of TEDx and long-form content Why messaging matters more than volume Turning attention into business opportunities How to identify and communicate your unique value 🤝 Connect with Ashley Stahl https://wisewhisperagency.com https://www.instagram.com/ashleystahl 🤝 Connect with Ryan Alford https://www.ryanisright.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford is joined by Dave Charest to discuss how AI is reshaping the way small businesses operate. Dave shares insights from recent research showing that more than half of small business owners are already using AI—and why many are increasing their marketing efforts despite economic uncertainty. The conversation explores how AI improves efficiency, helps business owners make smarter decisions, and enables them to compete at a higher level. They also cover practical strategies around email marketing, social media, and audience building—highlighting why owning your customer relationships is more important than ever. Topics Covered AI adoption among small businesses Efficiency vs overcomplication with AI Marketing trends and budget shifts Email marketing vs social media strategy Building and owning your audience Data-driven decision making with AI Common mistakes small business owners make Connect with Dave Charest https://www.constantcontact.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/davecharest Connect with Ryan Alford https://ryanalford.com https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Ken Goldin to explore how collectibles evolved into a massive global market. Ken shares how he built Goldin Auctions by focusing on attention, audience growth, and long-term brand strategy—often prioritizing exposure over immediate profit. The discussion breaks down how value is created through storytelling, positioning, and market psychology. They also examine the risks within today’s market, including speculation, overvaluation, and why vintage collectibles remain the most stable long-term investment. Topics Covered Growth of the collectibles market Marketing vs. product in value creation Risk and speculation in modern collecting Vintage vs. modern investment strategy Building audience and brand equity How media expanded the hobby Connect with Ken Goldin https://goldin.co https://www.instagram.com/kengoldin https://x.com/kengoldin Connect with Host — Ryan Alford Website: Ryanisright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford

AI is making content faster—but not necessarily better. In this episode of Right About Now, John Benson joins Ryan Alford to break down what actually makes content convert in the age of AI. From inventing the video sales letter (VSL) to building AI tools that replicate high-converting copy, John shares how persuasion hasn’t changed—even as technology has. The real edge isn’t automation, it’s understanding human values and aligning messaging with what people already believe. They also explore how entrepreneurs should think about AI as a “second brain,” why most AI-generated content fails, and how to use values-driven messaging to attract the right audience—and repel the wrong one. If you’re using AI for content, marketing, or growth, this episode will completely change how you think about what actually works. Topics Covered The origin of the video sales letter (VSL) and why it still works Why most AI-generated copy fails to convert The role of human psychology in persuasion “So that you can…” — the most powerful copywriting framework How values-driven messaging attracts better customers AI as a “second brain” for entrepreneurs The future of AI, copywriting, and marketing Connect with Guest — John Benson Website: https://bnsn.ai Free Buyer Profile Tool: https://freebuyerprofile.com YouTube: https://johnbenson.com/youtube Connect with Host — Ryan Alford Website: https://ryanalford.com Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/right-about-now-with-ryan-alford/id1498865831 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with real estate investor and entrepreneur Jamil Damji to unpack a story that starts with rejection—and turns into full ownership of life, business, and purpose. After being denied entry into medical school despite doing everything “right,” Jamil made a decision that changed everything: no one else would control his future again. From his first wholesale deal—turning a $50K opportunity into a life-changing moment—to losing everything during the 2008 financial collapse and rebuilding from the ground up, Jamil breaks down what it really takes to create success on your own terms. The conversation goes deeper than business, touching on addiction, self-discovery, and the internal work required to evolve as a leader, father, and human. Jamil also shares how he’s now using his platform to solve real-world problems—from housing affordability to helping people experiencing homelessness build new opportunities through real estate. This is more than a business story—it’s a blueprint for taking control, making different choices, and building a life you’re proud of. 🎯 Topics Covered Why Jamil rejected the traditional path after medical school denial The first wholesale real estate deal that changed everything Lessons learned from losing everything in the 2008 financial crisis Why success is an “inside job” (mindset, habits, and identity) Addiction, recovery, and rebuilding from within Building a scalable real estate business through relationships (not cold leads) The power of personal branding and TV (Triple Digit Flip) Why real estate investors must take responsibility for housing challenges Co-living, affordability, and solving real-world housing issues  🤝 Connect with Host & Guest Ryan Alford (Host) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford Website: https://ryanisright.com Jamil Damji YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JamilDamji Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdamji

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Bob Cicero from Cisco to break down what the future of work actually looks like—and why most companies are still missing the point. As AI begins to take over repetitive tasks, the real value of work is shifting back to human connection, collaboration, and creativity. From the post-COVID workplace reset to the rise of hybrid models, this conversation explores why forcing people back to the office isn’t working—and what companies should be doing instead. The key idea? Offices need to become a magnet, not a mandate, offering real value that employees can’t get at home. Bob shares how Cisco is reimagining workspaces with a “me vs we” model, flipping traditional office design to prioritize collaboration over individual desks. Combined with data, AI, and smarter environments, the workplace is evolving into something far more intentional—and far more human. If you’re navigating hybrid work, managing teams, or thinking about the impact of AI on your business, this episode will completely reframe how you think about where—and how—work gets done. 🎯 Topics Covered Why AI will amplify human work—not replace it The shift from remote vs office to hybrid balance “Magnet vs mandate” and why return-to-office policies fail The “me vs we” workplace model and collaborative design Why human connection and in-person work still matter How AI is changing productivity and daily work tasks Designing offices that people actually want to go to The concept of “earning the commute” How data and AI are shaping the future workplace 🤝 Connect with Host & Guest Ryan Alford (Host) Website: https://ryanisright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford Listen to Right About Now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/right-about-now-with-ryan-alford/id1562875066 Bob Cicero (Cisco) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-cicero Company: https://www.cisco.com Learn More About Cisco Workplace Innovation: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/collaboration/index.html

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford brings together some of the sharpest minds in AI, business, and technology to break down what’s actually happening right now—and what it means for your future. The pace of change isn’t just fast, it’s unprecedented, and the gap between those who adopt and those who hesitate is growing by the day. From AI agents that can execute tasks autonomously to tools that can outperform humans in specific functions, this episode explores how business, marketing, and the workforce are being reshaped in real time. The biggest takeaway? AI isn’t just automation—it’s a complete shift in how work gets done and who gets left behind. But this isn’t about fear—it’s about opportunity. Those who learn how to use these tools, think differently, and adapt quickly will unlock massive advantages in productivity, creativity, and scale. If you’re not actively learning and applying AI right now, this episode makes one thing clear: someone else is—and they’re moving faster than you. 🎯 Topics Covered Why AI adoption is happening faster than any technology in history How AI can outperform humans in specific tasks (and what that means) The rise of AI agents and autonomous execution Why “human in the loop” still matters in AI workflows The shift from specialists to multi-skilled operators powered by AI Trade skills vs knowledge economy in an AI-driven world How AI is transforming creativity, marketing, and business strategy Why curiosity and better questions are the real competitive advantage 🤝 Connect with Host & Guests Ryan Alford Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford Website: RyanIsRight.com

New data shows that nearly 70% of workers feel unprepared for today’s workforce, raising bigger questions about how we define job readiness. In this episode, Ryan Alford sits down with Ryan Lufkin of Instructure to unpack what’s actually broken in education and how AI is accelerating the gap between learning and real-world skills. They explore why AI isn’t replacing expertise but instead demands stronger critical thinking, communication, and human judgment. The conversation also challenges whether schools are teaching the wrong things—or simply teaching them the wrong way. From the rise of lifelong learning to the debate between skills and degrees, this episode highlights what both employers and educators need to rethink to prepare the next generation. What We Covered 70% of workers feel unprepared – What’s driving the growing skills gap in today’s workforce AI in education and work – Why AI requires more expertise, not less Skills vs degrees – Are traditional degrees still the best signal for employers? The problem with modern education – Teaching the wrong things vs teaching the wrong way Lifelong learning – Why continuous upskilling is now required for career growth Breaking workplace “boxes” – How AI is empowering employees to operate across roles Connect with the Guest Ryan Lufkin VP of Global Strategy — Instructure (Canvas) Website: https://www.instructure.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanlufkin Podcast: EduCast3000 Connect with the Host Ryan Alford Host — Right About Now Website RyanIsRight.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/ryanalford LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ryanalford

Ryan sits down with life and business coach Kaylor Betts to break down a hard truth: being “awake” isn’t the same as actually winning. In a world full of noise, distractions, and blame, they dive into why personal responsibility—not external factors—is the real key to building a life of freedom, wealth, and fulfillment. The conversation explores the difference between consuming information and actually executing, and why so many people stay stuck despite having access to more knowledge than ever before. Kaylor shares his journey from struggling with depression and a victim mindset to building a thriving online coaching business that creates both income and impact. They also unpack the blueprint for building a modern online business, from solving real problems to leveraging content, attention, and personal branding as the ultimate form of leverage. If you’re looking for clarity, direction, and a push to actually take action, this episode delivers exactly that. 🎯 TOPICS COVERED Why “being awake” doesn’t mean you’re winning Victim mindset vs personal responsibility The difference between education and execution How to build wealth and freedom online Why attention and personal branding = leverage The blueprint for starting an online coaching business Solving problems that people will pay for Why most people stay stuck (and how to break out) The power of discipline, routine, and alignment 🤝 CONNECT WITH THE HOST Ryan Alford Instagram: @RyanAlford Website: RyanisRight.com Guest: Kaylor Betts Instagram: @thekaylorbetts Business: awbiz.com Life Coaching: awlife.com

Generative AI is being adopted faster than almost any technology in recent history. The productivity upside is massive—but so are the security implications. As companies rush to integrate AI into everyday workflows, many are discovering that the biggest risks aren’t always technical—they’re human. In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan sits down with Nicole Jiang, co-founder and CEO of Fable Security, to unpack how organizations can embrace AI while protecting sensitive data and minimizing human-driven security risks. Nicole explains why AI adoption is creating a divide between companies moving quickly and those falling behind, and why security strategies must evolve just as fast. They also explore how human behavior often becomes the weakest link in cybersecurity—from employees unintentionally sharing sensitive information with AI tools to organizations failing to clean up messy data systems before adopting new technologies. Nicole shares how companies can rethink security training, why traditional cybersecurity tools miss the human layer, and simple steps individuals can take to practice better AI hygiene in their daily work. Topics Covered Why AI adoption is accelerating faster than most security frameworks The growing gap between AI-enabled companies and slower adopters How human behavior creates new cybersecurity risks What sensitive information employees accidentally share with AI tools Why data hygiene matters before adopting AI systems The rise of AI-powered phishing and social engineering attacks How companies can balance innovation with security Why traditional security tools struggle with human risk The difference between security training vs. real-time coaching Practical tips for building better AI security habits Sponsors Wix Building a website and need a little help? Go to wix.com/harmony.  That’s wix.com/harmony. To start your website today! Connect With The Guest Nicole Jiang Co-Founder & CEO, Fable Security Website: https://fablesecurity.com LinkedIn: Nicole Jiang Fable Security builds human-risk security platforms that help organizations identify risky employee behavior and deploy targeted interventions to improve cybersecurity practices. Connect With The Host Ryan Alford Host of Right About Now Website: www.RyanisRight.com Instagram: @ryanalford LinkedIn: Ryan Alford

What separates businesses that scale from those that stall? In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan sits down with Ken Wentworth — also known as “Mr. Biz.” After a successful corporate career at JP Morgan, Ken left the corporate world to become a fractional CFO and business strategist, helping companies uncover hidden opportunities inside their financials. The conversation explores what many founders miss when building a business: strong financial fundamentals, leadership mindset, and the willingness to challenge the way things have always been done. Ken breaks down how improving cash flow, budgeting discipline, and margins can dramatically change the trajectory of a company. He also shares what he sees across the companies he works with — from why many businesses stay stuck at slow growth to how economic downturns can actually create major opportunities. Ryan and Ken also dive into the evolving role of technology and AI in business, the mindset needed to scale companies, and why many entrepreneurs underestimate the value of listening to their team. Topics Covered • Why many business owners are great at their craft but struggle with the business side • Ken’s transition from JP Morgan executive to fractional CFO and strategist • The three financial pillars every company must master: cash flow, budgeting, and margins • Why economic downturns can create major opportunities for growth • How mindset determines whether businesses stagnate or scale • The biggest mistakes companies make when trying to expand locations • Why great companies prioritize employees first • How AI is beginning to impact operations and decision making in business Connect with Ken Wentworth Website: mrbiz.com Instagram: @MrBizSolutions Book: Don't Fake the Funk: F Being Average Connect with Ryan Alford Website: ryanisright.com Instagram: @RyanAlford Listen to Collector Nation

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with leadership coach and author Anniston Riekstins to talk about purpose, personal growth, and the mindset shifts that help people take action in their lives. Anniston shares the inspiration behind her book The Universe Is Hiring and explains why many people spend years consuming personal development content without actually applying it. The conversation explores how self-awareness, service, and small intentional actions can create real change. Ryan and Anniston also discuss how discovering your unique strengths and leaning into what truly lights you up can open new opportunities—both personally and professionally. Topics Covered • The concept behind The Universe Is Hiring • Why personal development only works when you apply it • Re-thinking your relationship with time and priorities • The “authentic self-resume” exercise for discovering your strengths • Overcoming fear and self-doubt when pursuing purpose • Why fulfillment comes from growth and progress • How service can shift your mindset and create momentum • Empowering individuals within organizations Connect With Guest & Host Anniston Riekstins Author — The Universe Is Hiring Co-Host — The InPowered Life Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annistonblairriekstins/ Podcast: The InPowered Life Podcast Book: The Universe Is Hiring: Discover the Role You Were Born to Fill Ryan Alford Host — Right About Now Website: https://ryanisright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford