If you’re thinking about starting a consulting business, here’s the truth: the most successful consultants don’t just sell advice—they solve real problems in specific markets. But how do you find that sweet spot where your expertise meets an urgent need? The answer lies in identifying a substantial breakdown within a specific ecology and then tailoring your services to solve it.
Peter Burgraf, Vice President of Business Development at Q2 Business Capital in Chicago, shares his journey from being overwhelmed by debt to achieving both personal and financial success. Like many, Peter initially bought into the common belief that hard work alone guarantees success.
We live in a world where facts are often uncomfortable. They challenge our assumptions, disrupt our comfort zones, and force us to confront realities we'd rather ignore. Whether in politics, business, or our personal lives, the ability to face hard truths is a critical skill—and one that separates successful leaders, thriving businesses, and fulfilled individuals from those stuck in denial. But let’s take a closer look at what we mean by "facts."
Join us for an insightful conversation with Janet Asher Vreeland as she reflects on her transformative journey with Influential U. Starting with her early struggles as a natural "performer" personality type, Janet shares candidly about the challenges she faced in balancing her desire to be liked with the need to engage productively with other personality types.
The September 10, 2025, U.S. Presidential Debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump provided more than just a clash of policy. It offered a strategic lesson in the art of agitation—a skill anyone can use to enhance influence, persuasion, or negotiation. Whether in a debate or daily interactions, knowing how to agitate effectively can shift the dynamics in your favor.
