COMPELling Conversations

In this episode of COMPELling Conversations, host Steve Ramerini, Founder & CEO of COMPEL CEOs, sits down with Justin Abrams and Michael Rispoli, longtime friends turned business partners and co-founders of Cause of a Kind, a mission-driven digital agency specializing in web and software development.
Justin and Mike share their entrepreneurial journey — from meeting as teenagers at a Long Island rock-climbing gym to navigating multiple pivots before finding success in the agency world. They discuss the lessons learned from early failures, the challenges of scaling, managing money, hiring and firing, and staying true to their shared values.
The conversation dives deep into what it really takes to build a sustainable business partnership, how wisdom and mentorship through COMPEL CEOs helped shape their path, and their insights on the future of AI, technology, and human connection.
If you’re an entrepreneur—or aspire to be one—this candid discussion offers an honest look at resilience, evolution, and purpose-driven growth.
🎙️ Listen now to learn how two friends turned shared curiosity and grit into a thriving company with a cause.

In this episode of COMPELling Conversations, Steve Ramerini sits down with Janice B. Gordon—international consultant and Customer Growth Expert—to unpack how CEOs and business leaders can build sales organizations that actually perform.
 
From why introverts often outperform extroverts, to how customer-centric strategies drive sustainable growth, Janice shares insights every executive needs to hear.
 
Discover why your buyers are avoiding traditional salespeople, how to hire and coach for true sales excellence, and what shifts are required for leaders to ensure sales teams deliver real, measurable results. Packed with practical frameworks and fresh perspectives, this conversation challenges the old sales playbook and equips CEOs to lead their teams into the future of selling.

On this episode of COMPELling Conversations, Steve Ramerini welcomes Stormie Andrews—marketing strategist, cofounder of Yokel Local, and creator of The World’s Best Buyer Persona System. Stormie takes us through his unexpected path from a Sales Manager for a home builder to leading one of Nevada’s top inbound marketing agencies. He explains why most buyer personas fall short, how his system helps businesses craft messaging that both attracts the right clients and repels the wrong ones, and why aligning strategy with tactics is essential.
You’ll also hear his insights on:
The emotional drivers behind 80% of customer decisions
The three stages of the buyer’s journey—and why only 4% of buyers are ready to purchase at any moment
How NLP sharpens communication and builds stronger relationships
The role of AI in building sharper, faster, more useful buyer personas
This episode is packed with practical wisdom for CEOs, marketers, and business leaders who want to connect more meaningfully with their audience and drive sustainable growth.

In this episode of COMPELling Conversations, host Steve Ramerini sits down with Sam Goodwin, American entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and one of only about 100 people in the world to have traveled to all 193 UN-recognized countries. Sam shares his extraordinary journey, including his experiences as a Division I college hockey player, co-founding a tech company and NGO in Singapore, and surviving a 63-day wrongful detention in Syria.
Through his story, Sam explores the power of embracing uncertainty, cultivating gratitude, and finding resilience in the face of life’s toughest challenges. He shares actionable lessons for business leaders, athletes, faith-based communities, and anyone navigating unpredictable circumstances. From using athletic discipline to channeling gratitude during moments of intense stress, Sam demonstrates how challenges can become opportunities for growth.
This episode is a masterclass in perspective, leadership, and resilience, offering listeners inspiration and practical strategies for thriving in uncertain times.

In this episode of COMPELling Conversations, Steve Ramerini sits down with Fig Annunziato, a seasoned entrepreneur and facilitator of the COMPEL NextGen Group, to discuss her remarkable journey in business and leadership.
Fig began her career at just 23 years old at the White House and quickly transitioned into business leadership, becoming company president within a year. Over the last two decades, she has grown businesses from under $1 million in revenue to well over eight figures, all while navigating the uncertainties and challenges of entrepreneurship.
Key Takeaways:
Patience is critical: Fig emphasizes that staying the course and practicing patience has been one of her biggest challenges and key factors in long-term success.
Secret weapons for success:
Ask questions relentlessly: Fig highlights the importance of curiosity and continuous learning to make informed decisions.
Take immediate action: Turning insights into actionable steps drives momentum and progress.
Revenue-focused culture: Fig instills a mindset of focusing on revenue-generating activities across her teams to ensure growth and accountability.
Clarity in goal-setting: She stresses the importance of having clear, specific, and measurable targets to rally teams and accelerate growth.
Future of business: Fig identifies AI as a transformative force in the next 3–5 years, urging entrepreneurs to explore ways to leverage it within their businesses. She also likens business to a sport, emphasizing adaptability, preparation, and resilience.
Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurship is a leap of faith, requiring courage, persistence, and community. Fig encourages building relationships and learning from a professional network.
Beyond her primary business, Clean Fox, Fig is involved in mentoring emerging entrepreneurs through COMPEL, co-founding Two Step Reviews to help businesses drive online reviews, and exploring personal passions like tennis and DJing.
Fig’s story is a powerful reminder that success in business requires curiosity, action, patience, and a willingness to innovate while staying grounded in strong values and community support.

In the very first episode of COMPELling Conversations, host Steve Ramerini welcomes Roger Harrop, UK-based author, business advisor, mentor, and independent board director. With over 25 years of experience leading international businesses, Roger shares his insights on navigating today’s rapidly changing business landscape, including the post-pandemic reset, tight labor markets, and the role of AI and automation.
Roger discusses the four fundamentals for business success—being exceptional, creating a great workplace, constant prospecting, and focusing on profit—while explaining his unique “helicopter view” approach to strategic leadership. He also dives into his innovative use of QR codes in books, and even shares personal stories about his passion for classic cars and charitable initiatives.
Whether you’re a CEO, business leader, or entrepreneur, this episode offers practical guidance, thought-provoking ideas, and inspiration to embrace disruption, lead with clarity, and stay ahead in a changing world.