Our Featured Guest for Sunday, May 10, 2026 is Thomas P. Farley and our Entrepreneur Spotlight Guests areLauren Paxton and Eva Kerschbaumer
Why Manners, Mindset, and Skin Health May Be Your Biggest Competitive Advantages
In this dynamic episode of Passage to Profit, Richard and Elizabeth Gearhart explore how success today is shaped not just by talent or intelligence, but by the subtle habits, behaviors, mindset shifts, and wellness choices that influence how we show up in business and life. From modern etiquette and executive coaching to skincare, entrepreneurship, AI, and leadership, this episode delivers practical insights from three standout experts who are transforming their industries.
Listeners will discover how everyday behavior affects professional success, why mindset and neuroscience matter in leadership development, and how healthy skin begins with wellness rather than vanity. The episode also dives into how entrepreneurs are using AI tools in real-world business applications and discusses the future of copyright law in the age of artificial intelligence.
Thomas P. Farley (“Mr. Manners”)
Website: https://mister-manners.com/
Thomas P. Farley, widely known as “Mr. Manners,” is a keynote speaker, TV commentator, etiquette expert, and former Town & Country magazine editor who helps professionals understand how modern etiquette impacts workplace success, leadership, networking, and communication.
Thomas explains that etiquette is not about outdated rules or elitism — it’s about making other people feel comfortable and respected. Drawing from his background in publishing and television, he shares how small behaviors can quietly sabotage careers and relationships. From handling difficult conversations in the workplace to networking effectively at conferences, Thomas offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals navigating an increasingly disconnected digital world.
The conversation covers:
- The hidden business value of modern etiquette
- How first impressions influence career success
- The biggest networking mistakes professionals make
- Why technology is eroding social skills
- Handling difficult people without losing professionalism
- The importance of follow-up after networking events
- How etiquette evolves with society and technology
- Why authenticity and consideration still matter in the AI era
Thomas also shares his journey from magazine publishing to becoming a nationally recognized media personality and corporate speaker, appearing on NBC, CBS, and other major platforms as America’s trusted etiquette expert.
Lauren Paxton
Website: https://www.laurenpaxton.com/
Lauren Paxton is an executive coach and advisor who specializes in helping lawyers, executives, and entrepreneurs develop leadership skills using neuroscience-based coaching strategies.
A former federal prosecutor and law firm partner, Lauren now helps high-performing professionals transition from technical expertise into leadership roles by overcoming limiting beliefs, improving executive presence, and building authentic personal brands.
During the interview, Lauren explains how neuroscience affects leadership development and why many professionals struggle when stepping into visibility, networking, speaking, or entrepreneurship. She discusses how coaching can help people identify subconscious barriers that prevent growth and how rewiring mindset patterns can unlock greater confidence and success.
Topics include:
- Neuroscience-based executive coaching
- Leadership development for professionals
- Overcoming limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome
- Building a personal brand authentically
- Why many lawyers struggle with visibility and networking
- Developing an “owner’s mindset”
- The role of meditation and self-awareness in entrepreneurship
- How to create long-term career fulfillment
Lauren also emphasizes the importance of building a “personal board of advisors” — trusted mentors, connectors, critics, and thought partners who help entrepreneurs and professionals grow strategically.
Eva Kerschbaumer
Website: https://www.esspaspa.com/ and https://edrybar.com/
Eva Kerschbaumer is a Master Organic Esthetician and the founder of ESSpa Inc. and eDryBar. Her philosophy centers on holistic skincare, wellness, nutrition, and helping people feel confident in their own skin naturally.
Eva shares her personal journey from struggling with severe skin issues as a young woman to building a successful beauty and wellness business. She explains why many skincare routines are overcomplicated and how true skin health starts internally through nutrition, hydration, consistency, and lifestyle habits.
Listeners learn:
- Why “less is more” in skincare
- The connection between gut health and skin health
- How diet, stress, hydration, and environment impact skin
- Why consistency matters more than trendy products
- Common skincare mistakes people make
- How confidence and skin health are connected
- The dangers of toxic ingredients in beauty products
- Why holistic skincare is becoming increasingly important
Eva also discusses her organic skincare philosophy, facial massage techniques, and the importance of individualized skincare routines tailored to each person’s needs.
AI Business Real Use Cases
The panel also shares fascinating real-world examples of how entrepreneurs are using artificial intelligence in business today, including:
- AI-generated visuals and branded content
- Automated presentation and worksheet creation
- AI-assisted skincare consultations
- AI video cloning and digital avatars
- Concerns about AI replacing human creativity
- The future of AI in branding and communication
Richard Gearhart also delivers an insightful Intellectual Property News segment discussing the growing legal debate around AI-generated works and copyright law, including why U.S. courts currently maintain that only humans can qualify as authors under copyright law.
Why This Episode Matters
This episode highlights a growing reality in entrepreneurship and leadership: success increasingly depends on emotional intelligence, communication skills, personal branding, self-awareness, adaptability, and authenticity. Whether it’s etiquette in networking, mindset in leadership, or wellness in self-confidence, the guests reveal how small shifts can create major breakthroughs in business and life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Thomas P. Farley?
Thomas P. Farley, also known as “Mr. Manners,” is an etiquette expert, keynote speaker, television commentator, and former Town & Country magazine editor who teaches modern workplace etiquette, networking, and professional communication.
What is modern etiquette in business?
Modern etiquette focuses on professionalism, communication, emotional intelligence, respect, and making others feel comfortable in both in-person and digital interactions.
What does Lauren Paxton coach clients on?
Lauren Paxton coaches professionals, lawyers, executives, and entrepreneurs on leadership development, executive presence, personal branding, mindset, and business growth using neuroscience-based coaching techniques.
What is neuroscience-based coaching?
Neuroscience-based coaching uses principles from brain science and behavioral psychology to help people overcome limiting beliefs, develop new habits, improve confidence, and achieve personal and professional growth.
What is Eva Kerschbaumer known for?
Eva Kerschbaumer is known for holistic skincare, organic esthetics, facial massage techniques, and helping clients improve skin health through wellness, nutrition, and individualized skincare routines.
What is the philosophy behind ESSpa Inc.?
ESSpa Inc. focuses on organic skincare, wellness, and holistic beauty practices that prioritize skin health, nutrition, hydration, and long-term wellness over quick cosmetic fixes.
How are entrepreneurs using AI today?
Entrepreneurs are using AI for content creation, presentation design, branding, automation, skincare analysis, video cloning, marketing, and business efficiency improvements.
Can AI-generated works be copyrighted?
Current U.S. copyright law generally requires human authorship. Purely AI-generated works without human creative input are not currently eligible for copyright protection.