But First, Principles! – Details, episodes & analysis

Today’s Guest: Katie Keller-Wood
Don’t forget! Like – Comment – Subscribe

Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-keller-wood/

This Episode:
In this conversation, Katie Keller-Wood—entrepreneur, educator, and Montessori guide—shares her holistic perspective on education, entrepreneurship, and work-life balance. Katie explains why work and life are not separate spheres but deeply interconnected, and how Montessori principles can guide both personal growth and business leadership. She unpacks Montessori as both a pedagogy and a philosophy, emphasizing embodied learning, intuition built through practice, and the importance of nurturing the whole person—including spiritual and emotional dimensions.

Katie also introduces the concept of cosmic tasks: the unique roles each of us plays in the world, whether through paid work, caregiving, or creative pursuits. She challenges traditional notions of balance, reframing life as a mosaic rather than a constant tradeoff. Throughout the episode, Katie highlights how noticing misalignment is the first step toward change, how agency empowers transformation, and how it’s possible to pursue meaningful work without losing your soul.

Key Takeaways
Nobody knows the “right” way to do business—trust your judgment
Work and life are interconnected, not competing forces
You can bring all of who you are to your work and mission
Education should nurture the whole person, not just academics
Montessori is both a teaching method and a life philosophy
Practice and repetition are essential for mastery
Intuition develops through experience and embodied learning
Children are naturally curious—education should fan that flame
Cosmic tasks define our unique contribution to the world
All work holds dignity and nobility
Life is a mosaic, not a balancing act
Noticing misalignment is the first step toward change
Empowerment comes from taking responsibility for your choices
You can do important work without losing alignment or meaning

But First, Principles with Colin Davis
Real stories. Real principles. Real growth for business owners.
Each episode reveals the mindset, systems, and turning points behind small business success—so you can grow without burning out.
This season, Season 2, features innovative entrepreneurs and thinkers shaping the Richmond region and beyond.

Helpful Links
Want practical tools to build a business that actually works?
Visit: [https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com](https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com)

Ready for clarity, structure, and momentum in your business?
Email Colin: [colin@firstprinciplescoaching.com](mailto:colin@firstprinciplescoaching.com)

About Colin
Colin Davis is a business and leadership coach with a background in ministry, psychology, and organizational leadership. A former missionary and monk turned entrepreneur, he helps small business owners create focus, build systems, and achieve lasting growth through First Principles Coaching. He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.

Keywords
Katie Keller-Wood, Montessori, work-life balance, holistic education, entrepreneurship, teaching philosophy, personal development, alignment, business coaching, cosmic task, personal growth, purpose, mindfulness, agency

Today’s Guest: Jeff Hammer of Forte Impact Advisors
Don’t forget! Like · Comment · Subscribe

Guest Link:
Jeff Hammer: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdhammer/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdhammer/)

In this episode, Colin sits down with Jeff Hammer, founder of Forte Impact Advisors, to explore the deeper purpose behind wealth management, entrepreneurship, and consulting. Jeff shares his journey from traditional financial work into a more integrated, purpose-driven approach—one that blends mindset, strategy, and human connection.

Jeff discusses why so many people settle for less than their true potential, how resilience shapes long-term success, and why listening is one of the most underutilized skills in business. The conversation dives into the unique role small businesses play in their communities, the creativity required to navigate challenges, and how tailored financial advice can unlock unexpected opportunities. This episode is a thoughtful look at building wealth—and businesses—with intention and impact.

Key Takeaways

An integrated approach is essential in effective wealth management.
Mindset matters: there’s always a way to unlock potential.
Many people settle for less than their true purpose.
Listening deeply helps uncover real needs and opportunities.
Resilience is one of life’s greatest accomplishments.
Financial advice should be tailored to the individual.
Creativity is critical in problem-solving and growth.
Small businesses have a powerful impact on communities.
Challenges often lead to unexpected opportunities.
Strong relationships are the foundation of lasting success.

But First, Principles with Colin Davis

Real stories. Real principles. Real growth for business owners.
Each episode reveals the mindset, systems, and turning points behind small-business success—so you can grow without burning out.
This season, Season 2, we’re featuring innovative entrepreneurs shaping the Richmond region and beyond.

Helpful Links

Want practical tools to build a business that actually works?
Visit: [https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com](https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com)

Ready for clarity, structure, and momentum in your business?
Email Colin: [colin@firstprinciplescoaching.com](mailto:colin@firstprinciplescoaching.com)

About Colin

Colin Davis is a business and leadership coach with a background in ministry, psychology, and organizational leadership. A former missionary and monk turned entrepreneur, he helps small-business owners create focus, build systems, and achieve lasting growth through First Principles Coaching. He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.

Today’s Guest: Steven Sadler of REVA & Allegiancy
Don’t forget! Like – Comment – Subscribe
Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-sadler-696676a/
---
This Episode:
In this conversation, Steven Sadler, CEO of REVA, shares the principles that have guided his career in real estate and entrepreneurship. He talks about building a business on integrity, staying focused during economic disruptions, and leading with value. Steven also highlights the importance of family balance, strong sales skills, and committing fully to your purpose. His journey offers clear and practical insights for anyone working to grow a resilient business while staying grounded.
---
Key Takeaways
Integrity is a key competitive advantage
Community support makes business stronger
Family balance matters for long term success
Sales skills are essential for entrepreneurs
Success requires consistent effort
Operational focus is critical during downturns
Always deliver more value than you consume
---
But First, Principles with Colin Davis
Real stories. Real principles. Real growth for business owners.
Each episode reveals the mindset, systems, and turning points behind small business success so you can grow without burning out.
This season, Season 2, we are featuring innovative entrepreneurs shaping the Richmond region and beyond.
---
Helpful Links
Want practical tools to build a business that actually works?
Visit: [https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com](https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com)
Ready for clarity, structure, and momentum in your business?
Email Colin: [colin@firstprinciplescoaching.com](mailto:colin@firstprinciplescoaching.com)
---
About Colin
Colin Davis is a business and leadership coach with a background in ministry, psychology, and organizational leadership. A former missionary and monk turned entrepreneur, he helps small business owners create focus, build systems, and achieve lasting growth through First Principles Coaching. He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.
---
Keywords
entrepreneurship, integrity, real estate, business principles, family balance, sales skills, financial crisis, COVID-19, value creation, community impact

🎙️ Today’s guest: Justin Bajan of Familiar Creatures (Part 2)

Don’t forget! Like - Comment - Subscribe

Guest Links

https://www.familiarcreatures.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbajan/

This Episode

In Part 2 of our conversation with Justin Bajan, co-founder of Familiar Creatures, we uncover how this small agency not only survived a turbulent time but used it to grow and innovate. Justin breaks down how the agency held revenue steady during COVID and uses AI as both a creative and strategic business tool. We explore the "small but mighty" advantage, why trust and authenticity are crucial, and how AI is changing the creative process. Whether you're an agency owner or a creative leader, this episode offers real-world insight on navigating crisis, building culture, and staying future-ready.

💡 Key Takeaways

Small agencies can win by moving faster, staying authentic, and building deep client relationships.
COVID lowered barriers, creating space for more small-agency innovation and growth.
AI is transforming strategy, but human insight, taste, and judgment remain irreplaceable.
Trust and strong relationships are critical differentiators in an AI-assisted world.
Agencies that lead with values and transparency build greater resilience and loyalty.
Creativity is about execution, listening, and solving real business problems.
The future belongs to those who blend technology with humanity.

About the Podcast: But First, Principles with Colin Davis

Real stories. Real principles. Real growth for business owners. Each episode reveals the mindset, systems, and turning points behind small-business success so you can grow without burning out. This season features innovative entrepreneurs shaping the Richmond region and beyond.

Helpful Links

Want practical tools to build a business that actually works? Visit:https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com
Ready for clarity, structure, and momentum in your business? Email Colin: colin@firstprinciplescoaching.com

About Colin

Colin Davis is a business and leadership coach with a background in ministry, psychology, and organizational leadership. A former missionary and monk turned entrepreneur, he helps small-business owners create focus, build systems, and achieve lasting growth through First Principles Coaching. He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.

Keywords

business, agency, AI, creativity, entrepreneurship, innovation, crisis, growth, values, marketing, strategy, human-first, branding, resilience, future, technology

🎙️ Today’s guest: Justin Bajan of Familiar Creatures 

Don’t forget! Like - Comment - Subscribe

Guest Links

https://www.familiarcreatures.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbajan/

This Episode

In Part 1 of our conversation with Justin Bajan, co-founder of Familiar Creatures, we explore what it takes to build a successful creative agency without falling into the hustle trap. Justin reveals why patience is the real superpower in entrepreneurship. He explains how challenger brands win by being nimble, bold, and unapologetically different. We dive into what marketing actually works for growing service businesses, sharing practical insights around self-marketing, budget benchmarks, SEO, and the overlooked opportunities on LinkedIn. If you're building a brand or scaling a service business, this episode drops actionable wisdom for the long game.

💡 Key Takeaways

Patience, not constant hustle, is the key to sustainable business growth.
Challenger brands win by being nimble, strategic, and bold.
Agencies compete through differentiation and clarity, not massive budgets.
Familiar Creatures helps clients "punch above their weight" using creativity and positioning.
Consistency in marketing (especially through SEO and LinkedIn) matters more than going viral.
Budgeting for marketing is critical; businesses must plan and invest.
Small agencies can attract large clients by leading with authenticity and expertise.

About the Podcast: But First, Principles with Colin Davis

Real stories. Real principles. Real growth for business owners. Each episode reveals the mindset, systems, and turning points behind small-business success so you can grow without burning out. This season features innovative entrepreneurs shaping the Richmond region and beyond.

Helpful Links

Want practical tools to build a business that actually works? Visit:https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com
Ready for clarity, structure, and momentum in your business? Email Colin: colin@firstprinciplescoaching.com

About Colin

Colin Davis is a business and leadership coach with a background in ministry, psychology, and organizational leadership. A former missionary and monk turned entrepreneur, he helps small-business owners create focus, build systems, and achieve lasting growth through First Principles Coaching. He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.

Keywords

business, patience, marketing, challenger brands, strategy, entrepreneurship, agency, growth, SEO, LinkedIn, branding, positioning, communication, small business, creativity

We hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss a new episode!
Colin and the But First, Principles team.

Connect with Colin Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-davis-1stprinciples/
Visit the First Principles Coaching website here: http://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com/

Listen to But First, Principles! on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5lfyftqBqzqQOfv9QgrvZa
Apple Podcasts: 
Amazon Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/but-first-principles/id1793156303https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6eb3cb0e-000d-4774-a0df-9cdf8b39089b/but-first-principles

#newseries #newpodcast #principles #challenges #industryinsights #customerfirst #foryoupage #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #PropertyManagement #StartupLife #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #storytelling #purpose #mediaforchange #valuesdriven #socialimpact #butfirstprinciples
But First, Principles with Colin Davis is a podcast for leaders, entrepreneurs, and curious minds who want to dig deeper into how things really work. Each episode explores a timeless principle or mental model that drives exceptional decision-making, leadership clarity, and strategic thinking. With guests from business, tech, academia, and beyond, Colin helps listeners peel back the noise and return to what really matters: the principles that stand the test of time. 
business, marathon, AI, communication, growth, adaptation, marketing, PR, future, technology

Today’s guest: Jonathan Rhudy of Rhudy & Co. Strategic Communications

Don’t forget! Like - Comment - Subscribe

Guest links: https://www.rhudy.biz,

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-rhudy-apr-2838434/

This Episode: From driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile to guiding companies through media storms, Jonathan shows how perseverance, optimism, narrative mastery, and integrity shape a career, and how entrepreneurs can apply the same mindset today.

💡 Key Takeaways
Running a business requires a marathon mindset, not a sprint.

AI is profoundly affecting the way we work across all industries.

Adaptation to AI is crucial for sustained success in business.

Communicators must actively integrate AI into their strategies.

The widespread fear of being completely replaced by AI is overstated.

Long-term planning is key for business resilience and sustainability.

AI isn't eliminating roles; it's changing how we perform them.

Successful businesses will be those that embrace technological changes.

The communications sector must evolve alongside AI advancements.

Future growth is fundamentally dependent on adaptability and innovation.

But First, Principles with Colin Davis

Real stories. Real principles. Real growth for business owners.

Each episode reveals the mindset, systems, and turning points behind small-business success: so you can grow without burning out.

This season, Season 2, we’re bringing another awesome group of entrepreneurs on the show from the Richmond region.

Helpful Links

Want practical tools to build a business that actually works?
Visit: https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com

Ready for clarity, structure, and momentum in your business?
Email Colin: colin@firstprinciplescoaching.com

About Colin

Colin Davis is a business and leadership coach with a background in ministry, psychology, and organizational leadership. A former missionary and monk turned entrepreneur, he helps small-business owners create focus, build systems, and achieve lasting growth through First Principles Coaching. He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.

Find Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-rhudy-apr-2838434/

We hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss a new episode!

Colin and the But First, Principles team.

Connect with Colin Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-davis-1stprinciples/
Visit the First Principles Coaching website here: http://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com/

Listen to But First, Principles! on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5lfyftqBqzqQOfv9QgrvZa
Apple Podcasts: 
Amazon Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/but-first-principles/id1793156303https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6eb3cb0e-000d-4774-a0df-9cdf8b39089b/but-first-principles

#newseries #newpodcast #principles #challenges #industryinsights #customerfirst #foryoupage #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #PropertyManagement #StartupLife #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #storytelling #purpose #mediaforchange #valuesdriven #socialimpact #butfirstprinciples
But First, Principles with Colin Davis is a podcast for leaders, entrepreneurs, and curious minds who want to dig deeper into how things really work. Each episode explores a timeless principle or mental model that drives exceptional decision-making, leadership clarity, and strategic thinking. With guests from business, tech, academia, and beyond, Colin helps listeners peel back the noise and return to what really matters: the principles that stand the test of time. 
business, marathon, AI, communication, growth, adaptation, marketing, PR, future, technology

💼 Build the Dream Without Quitting the Day Job
Marshall proves you don’t have to “burn the boats” to build a business. While working in cybersecurity, he runs a real estate portfolio, a mobile detailing company, and now Finstrike—a growing SaaS platform tackling teen financial literacy.

💡 Financial Education for the Next Generation
Finstrike fills the massive gap in teen and parent financial education, teaching real-world skills like savings rates, mindset, and financial agency. No fluff—just practical tools for long-term independence.

⚙️ Automation over Overwhelm
With a laser focus on systems, Marshall has automated his businesses to stay lean and sustainable—allowing him to scale smart, not chaotic. His secret? Bootstrap first, validate fast, and grow with purpose.

🎷 Richmond’s Rising Jazz Hub
Tom Illmensee, founder of Orbital Music Park, is building a world-class jazz venue in Richmond modeled on the intimacy and energy of legendary clubs like Ronnie Scott’s and Blue Note. He’s creating not just shows, but experiences — spaces where musicians and audiences lock into the same moment.

🌱 From Corporate Strategy to Community Sound
After years in UX and product strategy — including roles at Prezi and in Fortune 500 teams — Tom returned to Richmond to blend his startup mindset with his musical roots. He’s applying lean startup methods to physical space, designing a venue around feedback loops, flow states, and human connection.

🎶 A Space Where Music Leads the Way
With Grammy-nominated artists already performing, Orbital is more than a venue — it’s a proving ground for creative community. Tom’s long-term vision includes rehearsal and collaboration spaces, global expansion to solve the “sound-making” space problem, and a new model of listening-based leadership built around silence, presence, and play.

We hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss a new episode!

Colin and the But First, Principles team.

Connect with Colin Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-davis-1stprinciples/
Visit the First Principles Coaching website here: http://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com/

Listen to But First, Principles! on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5lfyftqBqzqQOfv9QgrvZa
Apple Podcasts: 
Amazon Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/but-first-principles/id1793156303https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6eb3cb0e-000d-4774-a0df-9cdf8b39089b/but-first-principles

#newseries #newpodcast #principles #challenges #industryinsights #customerfirst #foryoupage #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #PropertyManagement #StartupLife #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #storytelling #purpose #mediaforchange #valuesdriven #socialimpact #butfirstprinciples
But First, Principles with Colin Davis is a podcast for leaders, entrepreneurs, and curious minds who want to dig deeper into how things really work. Each episode explores a timeless principle or mental model that drives exceptional decision-making, leadership clarity, and strategic thinking. With guests from business, tech, academia, and beyond, Colin helps listeners peel back the noise and return to what really matters: the principles that stand the test of time.

🏗️ Real Estate Media, Rebuilt for the Long Haul

Rob Malan, founder and president of HD Bros, led the company through a tough 2023 — including layoffs and a leadership shift — and came back stronger. In 2024, revenue is already up 20%, with a 25% growth trajectory projected for 2025. The key? Focus, fundamentals, and a single decision-maker model.

🧠 Hard Truths for Business Owners

Rob’s philosophy is simple but sharp: “Cash is king,” and most business bottlenecks start with the owner. He shares the raw lessons behind HD Bros’ turnaround, from dropping consensus paralysis to rebuilding culture around retention and service — not shiny objects.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Build with Friends, Keep the Family

While many warn against mixing business and personal, Rob argues the opposite — with the right groundwork, it can be your superpower. His business and family are deeply intertwined, and he’s playing the long game: not to sell fast, but to build something that outlasts the founders.

We hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss a new episode!

Colin and the But First, Principles team.

Connect with Colin Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-davis-1stprinciples/
Visit the First Principles Coaching website here: http://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com/

Listen to But First, Principles! on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5lfyftqBqzqQOfv9QgrvZa
Apple Podcasts: 
Amazon Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/but-first-principles/id1793156303https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6eb3cb0e-000d-4774-a0df-9cdf8b39089b/but-first-principles

#newseries #newpodcast #principles #challenges #industryinsights #customerfirst #foryoupage #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #PropertyManagement #StartupLife #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #storytelling #purpose #mediaforchange #valuesdriven #socialimpact #butfirstprinciples
But First, Principles with Colin Davis is a podcast for leaders, entrepreneurs, and curious minds who want to dig deeper into how things really work. Each episode explores a timeless principle or mental model that drives exceptional decision-making, leadership clarity, and strategic thinking. With guests from business, tech, academia, and beyond, Colin helps listeners peel back the noise and return to what really matters: the principles that stand the test of time.

🌱 Richmond Roots, Global Vision
Though originally from Northern Ireland, Ryan McCarroll launched answerthis.io while at the University of Richmond, taking it from a dorm-room idea to $50,000/month in recurring revenue.

🧠 Sell First, Study Later
Ryan doesn’t believe in focus groups or marketing theory. His philosophy? If no one buys it, it doesn’t work. He built Answer This IO by testing in the real world—selling before scaling.

📖 Curing Research Fatigue
Answer This IO speeds up academic research with real citations, tailored tools, and clarity ChatGPT can’t deliver—empowering researchers to focus on breakthrough thinking, not busywork.

We hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss a new episode!

Colin and the But First, Principles team.

Connect with Colin Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-davis-1stprinciples/
Visit the First Principles Coaching website here: http://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com/

Listen to But First, Principles! on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5lfyftqBqzqQOfv9QgrvZa
Apple Podcasts: 
Amazon Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/but-first-principles/id1793156303https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6eb3cb0e-000d-4774-a0df-9cdf8b39089b/but-first-principles

#newseries #newpodcast #principles #challenges #industryinsights #customerfirst #foryoupage #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #PropertyManagement #StartupLife #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #storytelling #purpose #mediaforchange #valuesdriven #socialimpact #butfirstprinciples
But First, Principles with Colin Davis is a podcast for leaders, entrepreneurs, and curious minds who want to dig deeper into how things really work. Each episode explores a timeless principle or mental model that drives exceptional decision-making, leadership clarity, and strategic thinking. With guests from business, tech, academia, and beyond, Colin helps listeners peel back the noise and return to what really matters: the principles that stand the test of time.