The Sharpen Podcast
Acumen is a community of business leaders dedicated to sharpening, challenging, and inspiring you to take your leadership to the next level. The Sharpen Podcast is hosted by Acumen CEO Dan Cooper and Acumen’s Front Range President Steve Van Diest, who aim to bring stories of leadership and practical wisdom to the community through reflective and action-oriented learning conversations with its own partners.
For more information, check out acumenimpact.com.
- Update frequency
- every 13 days
- Average duration
- 27 minutes
- Episodes
- 33
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
Integrating Real Estate into Your Business Strategy
In this episode, host Dan Cooper and guest Mike Farag delve into the strategic integration of real estate into business operations.
Mike is the owner of Fervor Marketing, a full-service marketing com…
Navigating the Goldilocks Zone of Mergers & Acquisitions
Steve Van Diest and Dennis Corsi dive into the "Goldilocks" principle in the context of mergers and acquisitions. Discover how Dennis, a seasoned business owner and Growth Catalyst, navigated through…
From President to CEO: Taking Over When Your Name's Not on the Door
In this episode, we delve into the journey of transitioning from a key executive role to becoming the CEO, especially when your name isn't on the door.
Our guest today is Darin Heyen, the diligent an…
The Joys and Challenges of Marriage with an Entrepreneur
Join Steve Van Diest, co-host of the Sharpen Podcast by Acumen, as he invites his wife, Christine Van Diest, to share about the unique challenges and rewards of being married to an entrepreneur! Chri…
Accounting vs. Strategy: Demystifying Key Financial Roles for Business Growth
In today's episode, Dan Cooper invites Ben Olsen of Tarsus CFO Services to delve into the often confusing world of financial roles within a business. We discuss the differences between a bookkeeper, …
Balancing Business, Ministry, and Marriage
Join co-host Steve Van Diest as he sits down with Sean Taylor, co-founder of Cornerstone Christian Counseling. In this episode, they explore the intersection of business, ministry, and marriage, offe…
Sustainable Success: The Power of Operating Systems (and Humility)
Join us for another down-to-earth conversation packed with wisdom and humor! Dan Cooper interviews Levi Messer on his movement from a trailblazing, sales-superhero style of leadership to something mo…
Striking a Balance: Intentional Priorities during Growth and Chaos
We all strive to balance our personal and professional lives - but how much more challenging can that be when you're combatting the patterns modeled to you, when your business is growing by leaps and…
Always Add Value: When "Retired" is the Wrong Word
Our desire to add value to the world doesn't just vanish after we exit the business leadership seat. So what can a meaningfully productive retirement look like? Dan Cooper interviews Augie Grasis abo…
When Hiring Out Your Weaknesses Goes Wrong
Steve Van Diest interviews Justin Donat about his experience of twisting the classic business advice, "Hire out of your weaknesses," in negative ways.
The Future of AI: A Practical Perspective
Join Dan Cooper and Roper DeGarmo for a frank discussion of AI and its practical applications in the world of business leadership.
The Marketing Intersection: Bottom Lines, AI, and the Companies That Predict the Future
How can you ensure your marketing team is directly impacting the bottom line? What are the best and most profitable applications of AI in the marketing sphere? Robin Emiliani, Co-Founder & CMGO at Ca…
Setting the Table for the Next Generation
Sean Miller, Chairman of the Miller Group, dives into succession planning, values-based business leadership, and how to set a company's next generation of leaders up for success in this insightful co…