Shawn FitzGerald

Too many business owners avoid the hardest question until it’s too late: What’s your exit strategy? In this powerful episode of Intentional Change, host Shawn FitzGerald and co-host Joshua McNary talk with Christy Jones, founder of Clarity Business Coaching, about her remarkable journey from growing up in a family-owned auto body shop to building a multi-location business — and selling it on her terms.Christy shares how watching her father and uncle avoid succession planning fueled her commitment to be intentional from day one. She dives into the mindset, strategy, and emotional weight behind selling a generational business — including how to prepare your team, protect your legacy, and set yourself up for what's next.Whether you're years from retiring or think it's "too soon" to plan, this episode will challenge your assumptions and inspire you to think long-term — starting now.

In this episode of Intentional Change podcast, hosts Joshua McNary and Shawn FitzGerald are joined by Brad Farris of Anchor Advisors, a seasoned executive leadership coach known for helping founders break through the common growth ceilings in their businesses.They dig into practical approaches to leadership, including how to avoid the trap of over-planning, the power of taking small, achievable next steps toward your biggest goals, and why it's just as important to develop self-leadership as it is to steer you and your team. They also explore strategies for building momentum when the future feels uncertain, how leaders can take care of themselves to have more of their "best days," and the importance of patience and adaptability in both personal and business growth.Whether you're overwhelmed by uncertainty, feeling stuck, or simply seeking actionable advice to lead your business more intentionally, this episode is packed with insights, relatable stories, and hands-on tips you won't want to miss. Join us as we explore the path to growth, one intentional step at a time!Brad's LinkedIn ProfileAnchor Advisors Self-Leadership AssessmentAnchor Advisors Business Growth Phase Assessment

In this episode, host Shawn FitzGerald chats with leadership facilitator Steve Vaught to explore how meaningful relationships, safe spaces, and intentional communication create lasting impact in leadership.Steve shares why he regularly sends curated articles to peers—not as a strategy, but as a way to show care, spark conversation, and deepen connection. He also opens up about the importance of creating trusted environments where mid-level managers can talk openly, get support, and work through real challenges without fear or judgment.Listen to hear Steve and Shawn discuss what it takes to build trust over time, how to lead with empathy, and why overcoming fear with curiosity is essential for personal and team growth. You’ll also hear how peer group techniques—like agenda-setting, open challenges, and shared accountability—can transform how your internal teams connect and communicate.Whether you're leading a team or facilitating growth in others, this episode offers practical takeaways for anyone who wants to lead with more empathy, build stronger trust, and create space for intentional change—one honest conversation at a time.

In this episode, host Shawn FitzGerald chats with Mike Wagner of White Rabbit Group to dive deep into the messy human side of leadership.Mike unpacks what leadership really means—and why it’s more about practice than position. He also walks through the four foundational habits every leader needs, how to build trust through regular feedback, and why so many businesses unintentionally set their leaders up to fail. If you’ve ever wondered how to create a stronger leadership culture without adding layers of complexity, this conversation is a must-listen. Spoiler: it starts with one-on-ones and a willingness to grow.Listen to hear Mike and Shawn explore what makes a truly effective leader, why leadership is a practice (not just a position), and how to create a culture where both leaders and emerging leaders can thrive. Get ready for practical insights on fostering ownership, giving and receiving feedback, and the four foundational habits every effective leader should master. Whether you're leading a team or aspiring to grow into a leadership role, this episode offers a fresh look at how intentional change starts with everyday actions and real relationships.

Networking often gets a bad rap, conjuring images of sales pitches, shallow transactions, and overwhelming social pressure. But as Danny Beyer —a financial advisor, mayor, author, and seasoned networker—shares, it doesn’t have to be that way. From busting the myth that networking is just about collecting business cards, to building authentic relationships one meaningful conversation at a time, Danny reveals practical tips to make networking feel natural and rewarding.Whether you’re an introvert dreading your next business mixer, or simply want to be more intentional about growing your professional circle, this episode will inspire you to embrace networking as an opportunity to learn, help others, and let your personal brand shine through consistent authenticity. Get ready for actionable insights, real-life stories, and a new mindset about how to build relationships that truly matter.

Welcome to another episode of Intentional Change, the podcast dedicated to guiding business owners and leaders through the challenges of growth, technology, and change with purpose and clarity. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of business communication with Shawn FitzGerald, a communication solutions consultant at Level Up Media Interactive. Shawn, who also co-hosts this podcast with Joshua McNary, brings over 30 years of experience in live video production and corporate communications. Together, they explore how intentional change can significantly impact business communication and media practices. Sean shares insightful stories from his career, shedding light on the common challenges businesses face and the strategic methods used to overcome them. Join us as we learn about building a solid foundation, understanding the importance of clarity and confidence, and embracing new technologies like AI-generated video to transform how businesses communicate. Don't miss out on these actionable insights that can help level up your business communication strategies. Let's get started!

Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Intentional Change," hosted by Shawn FitzGerald. In this episode, we dive deep into the convoluted world of business technology with our guest, Joshua McNary, a seasoned business technologist. If you're a business owner who's feeling overwhelmed by the rapid evolution of tech tools or struggling to see the return on your tech investments, this is the conversation you need to tune into. Joshua shares his insights on how to strategically integrate technology into your business operations, avoid costly tech pitfalls, and ensure your tech decisions are aligned with your business goals. He also takes us through his method of vetting software solutions and emphasizes the importance of balancing strategic thinking with action. Whether you're fascinated by AI advancements or just looking for ways to make tech work for you rather than against you, Joshua’s seasoned advice will guide you in navigating these fast-paced tech waters. Join us, and let's embark on this journey to help you take control of your tech future with clarity and confidence.