Podcast Series. Kickoff.
Survive and Thrive
Practical Strategies for Small Businesses is a national podcast series from Core Business Solutions being broadcast as part of the Quality Hub podcast. Designed to help small and mid-sized manufacturers, industry advisors, and business owners navigate an unprecedented time of change—tariffs, reshoring, supply-chain risks, regulatory shifts, and more—each 15–20 minute episode is packed with real-world advice from trusted experts.
Series Host: Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions and Xavier Francis, Quality Hub Host
Survive & Thrive Kickoff
In the kickoff episode of the Survive and Thrive series on The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis and Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, introduce a timely new podcast focused on helping small businesses navigate today’s economic uncertainty. With insights drawn from real-world challenges—like shifting federal policies, supply chain issues, and market disruptions—the series offers practical, bite-sized strategies from experts in MEPs, Apex Accelerators, and beyond. Designed for business owners, managers, and contractors alike, each episode delivers actionable steps to help organizations stay resilient, make smart decisions, and thrive in a time of rapid change.
Summary: Survive & Thrive Kickoff Episode
Host: Xavier Francis
Guest: Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions
The first episode of the Survive and Thrive podcast sets the stage for a helpful resource. It is designed for small business leaders facing today’s economic challenges. Scott Dawson, the creator of the series, says small businesses are facing challenges. These issues come from changing policies, supply chain problems, and unpredictable economic conditions. This situation is similar to what happened during the COVID-19 era.
This series isn’t about theory or corporate promotions. It features short, practical episodes that last about 15 minutes. These episodes include a variety of experts, such as MEPs, SBDCs, venture capitalists, and attorneys. Each episode offers actionable insights to help small business owners pivot smartly and build resilience in real time.
Scott emphasizes the importance of short-term tactics that align with long-term goals. This helps business leaders make confident decisions during chaos.
The series highlights public resources that are not used enough. These include MEPs and Apex Accelerators. They offer local, hands-on support for small businesses across the country.
Key Takeaways for Small Businesses
1. You’re Not Alone—Everyone’s Facing Disruption
Businesses across sectors are being impacted by sudden policy shifts, tariff changes, and supply chain issues.
Like COVID, the current climate requires rapid pivots and fresh strategies.
This podcast series aims to foster a community of shared experiences and support.
2. Focus on Practical, Timely Action
Strategic five-year plans are less relevant now; businesses need to think in 3–5 month increments.
Each podcast episode will offer immediate, actionable steps—not just high-level ideas.
The goal is to help listeners regain control and confidence in a time of uncertainty.
3. Resilience = Survival + Strategic Flexibility
Businesses that thrived during COVID often did so by being nimble, investing in improvement, or shifting their models quickly.
The same resilience is needed today—whether it’s renegotiating supplier contracts or stabilizing cost structures.
4. Use Public Resources to Your Advantage
MEPs (Manufacturing Extension Partnerships), Apex Accelerators, and SBDCs offer invaluable services such as:
- Government contracting support
- Continuous improvement guidance
- Startup and scaling advice
These organizations are locally based, federally funded, and deeply experienced with small business realities.
5. Balance Tactical Moves with Strategic Direction
While short-term decisions are critical, they must still align with your long-term business goals.
Think of your direction like navigating rapids—you need to steer urgently without losing sight of the end goal.
6. Look Forward to a Stellar Guest Lineup
Featured experts will cover topics like:
- Risk-based thinking (Dennis Gilbert – Pennsylvania MEP)
- Supply chain cost management (Gene Perrin – IMEC)
- Leading through uncertainty (Stacey Miller – West Virginia MEP)
- Legal risk in federal contracts (John Maddox – Business Attorney)
7. One Insight Per Episode = Progress
Each episode is designed to offer at least one practical idea or tool you can apply immediately.
Listening consistently will help build a collection of strategies to sustain and grow your business over time.
Final Encouragement
“Grab a paddle, put on your helmet, and let’s go.”
— Scott Dawson
This series is for any small business owner or leader feeling paralyzed by change. The message is simple: you can adapt, and you don’t have to do it alone. Tune in weekly, get connected with helpful networks, and gather real advice from people who understand your challenges.
The Quality Hub podcast is where we chat with ISO experts about “all things Quality.” Our goal is to share the knowledge we’ve gained by working with ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems, ISO standards, and other business best practices with our podcast listeners. We want you to be encouraged by our education and experiences. Visit the ISO 9001 Podcast page to learn more and listen to more podcasts.
If you are interested in ISO 9001 Quality Management Standard Certfication, visit our ISO 9001 page to learn more. If you are seeking help in implementing ISO 9001 or another standard, just reach out for a free quote for Core Business Solutions’ consulting services.