A Founder's Life

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslifeBusiness leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about inspiring people, staying curious, and learning to remain calm when the pressure is at its highest.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Jorge Velasco, President and CEO of BR Printers, to explore a remarkable career spanning more than four decades in publishing, printing, and executive leadership.From growing up in a family of publishers in Mexico to leading one of America’s largest book printers, Jorge shares how his passion for books evolved into a lifelong commitment to helping ideas reach millions of readers. His perspective on business leadership, mentorship, culture, and personal growth offers timeless lessons for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.Throughout the conversation, Jorge explains why books remain more relevant than ever, how COVID unexpectedly reignited the publishing industry, and why leaders should focus less on controlling people and more on building teams that are empowered to succeed.One of the most memorable lessons from this conversation is surprisingly simple: breathe. Jorge shares why one of the greatest pieces of leadership advice he ever received was to slow down, breathe deeply, and give your brain the oxygen it needs before making important decisions.We also discuss entrepreneurship, family, health, travel, exercise, lifelong learning, and the importance of surrounding yourself with mentors who challenge you to become a better leader.Whether you’re building your first company, leading a growing team, or looking to improve your own business leadership skills, this episode is filled with practical wisdom that can be applied immediately.In this episode you’ll learn:- Why business leadership begins with self-awareness- How mentorship can completely change your career- Why building the right team matters more than having all the answers- The surprising comeback of printed books- How exercise and routine improve executive performance- Why travel creates better leaders- The importance of paying knowledge forward- How focus and presence build trust with your team- Why entrepreneurs should learn to slow down before reactingJorge also shares how meeting his wife completely changed his perspective on life, why travel has become central to his family’s lifestyle, and how embracing different cultures has made him both a better person and a stronger leader.👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Jorge Velasco:LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jorgefvelascohttps://www.linkedin.com/company/br-printers/FacebookJorge Velasco: https://www.facebook.com/share/1PXjt5ywDN/?mibextid=wwXIfrBR Printers: https://www.facebook.com/share/1PXjt5ywDN/?mibextid=wwXIfrWebsite:brprinters.comLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Kyle ClementsWebsite: https://quipli.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleclements/What does it take to build a company without facing burnout?In this episode, Kyle Clements, Founder and CEO of Quipli, shares how experiences at Uber and other venture-backed startups improved his mindset and prepared him to launch his own company and why he believes entrepreneurship should be sustainable, not exhausting.Kyle discusses building Quipli during the pandemic, raising three young daughters while running a startup, and how marathon training has shaped his philosophy on balance. Instead of sprinting through entrepreneurship, he compares building a business to staying in Zone 2: a pace you can maintain for the long run and avoid burnout.We also talk about focus, delegation, family, parenthood, health, and the courage required to become a founder.What you’ll learn:Why sustainable success beats constant hustleHow running shaped Kyle’s leadership philosophy and nurtured his resilienceThe importance of focus and eliminating distractions for personal development and businessesWhy founders must learn to delegate and trust their teamsHow family influences better decisions and thriving in businessBurnout is not a requirementLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

The best entrepreneurial advice isn’t usually found in books.It’s found in the people who have actually built businesses.Over the course of Season 6 of A Founder’s Life, we sat down with founders who have built companies from scratch, overcome incredible setbacks, scaled across industries, and learned lessons that only experience can teach.In this special episode, we’ve pulled together some of the most powerful moments from the season.You’ll hear why:* Your mindset is your biggest competitive advantage.* Balance isn’t about doing less, it’s about knowing when to step back.* Confidence often comes before success.* The hardest seasons create the strongest founders.* And sometimes the best advice is simply… don’t quit.Whether you’re building your first company, leading a growing team, or looking for your next breakthrough, these conversations are packed with practical wisdom you can apply immediately.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

Entrepreneurship is often portrayed as overnight success, but the reality is built on resilience, long-term thinking, and the willingness to keep moving forward when things get difficult.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Grant McCrabb, Founder and CEO of GeoTrek Vans, to discuss his remarkable startup journey from flipping used camper vans to building one of the fastest-growing direct-to-consumer RV manufacturers in North America.Grant shares how a simple side hustle evolved into a rapidly growing manufacturing company, why saying yes early helped create opportunities, and how endurance sports have shaped his founder mindset and approach to business leadership.As an ultra-runner, Grant compares entrepreneurship to running a 240-mile race. Success isn’t about sprinting—it’s about learning how to pace yourself, overcome setbacks, and keep showing up day after day.Throughout the conversation, we also explore family, resilience, leadership, risk-taking, product innovation, and why entrepreneurs should stop waiting for the perfect moment before starting.Whether you’re launching your first startup, growing a small business, or leading an established company, this episode is packed with practical insights from someone building a business for the long term.This episode covers:• How GeoTrek Vans grew from a side hustle into a national manufacturer• The importance of hiring people who are better than you• Why endurance sports create better entrepreneurs• Building resilience during difficult seasons• How family shapes better leadership• The biggest lessons from scaling a manufacturing company• Why focus becomes more important as businesses grow• The mindset required for sustainable business growth• Practical startup advice for aspiring foundersGrant also shares the deeply personal story of how his father’s life-changing skiing accident reshaped his perspective on risk, resilience, and pursuing meaningful goals. That experience continues to influence the way he approaches entrepreneurship, leadership, and life.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, business leadership, founder stories, startup growth, and personal development, you’ll enjoy this episode.This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Grant McCrabbWebsite: https://www.geotrekvans.comLinkedIn (Grant): https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-mccrabb-51b0242b5/LinkedIn (GeoTrek Vans): https://www.linkedin.com/company/geotrek-vansLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Kate LiburdiWebsite: https://conversifi.comPlatform: https://app.conversifi.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateliburdi/Language learning becomes truly powerful when it moves beyond textbooks and into real conversations. While technology has transformed education, the human connection remains the most valuable part of learning a new language.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Kate Liburdi, Co-Founder and CEO of Conversifi, to discuss how she’s transforming language learning by connecting students with native speakers around the world through authentic video conversations.Kate shares her journey from teaching French and English as a Second Language to leading technology initiatives at a Fortune 50 company before launching Conversifi, a platform now used by more than 100 universities to help students build confidence through real-world communication.But this conversation goes far beyond education technology.Kate opens up about one of the biggest failures of her career—a software project that consumed nearly $1 million before her team realized they had to start over. Instead of seeing it as defeat, she explains how embracing Agile development, customer feedback, and continuous iteration completely transformed both the product and her leadership philosophy.We also explore entrepreneurship, focus, productivity, family, health, and why great founders often succeed by removing complexity instead of adding more.Whether you’re building a startup, leading a growing team, or simply looking to become more intentional with your time, Kate shares practical lessons that every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why authentic conversations accelerate language learning• The leadership lesson behind a $1 million product failure• How Agile development changed Kate’s approach to building companies• Why multitasking hurts productivity and focus• The importance of customer feedback during product development• How family influences better leadership decisions• Why founders should simplify instead of overcomplicate• How continuous learning creates better entrepreneurs• The mindset required to build resilient companiesKate also discusses adding new languages—including American Sign Language (ASL)—to Conversifi, why cultural exchange is just as important as vocabulary, and how meaningful conversations create deeper learning experiences than memorization alone.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, language learning, founder mindset, business leadership, startup journeys, and personal development, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Mike SchroederWebsite: https://roundstoneinsurance.comCompany's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roundstoneLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelaschroederYouTube: https://youtube.com/user/roundstoneinsuranceWork-life balance isn’t about working less—it’s about knowing when to step back before burnout takes over.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Mike Schroeder, Founder and President of Roundstone Insurance, to discuss what it really takes to build a successful company while maintaining your health, family, and sense of purpose.Mike shares his entrepreneurial journey, from studying law and discovering an opportunity to reinvent employer-sponsored healthcare, to building Roundstone Insurance into a national company helping thousands of businesses take control of their healthcare costs through innovative self-funded insurance solutions.But this conversation goes well beyond insurance.Mike explains why founders must recognize when they’re burning the candle at both ends, how travel and reflection help him regain balance, and why entrepreneurship requires accepting that your business will always occupy part of your mind.We also discuss leadership, resilience, family, health, personal growth, and the mindset required to build a company that lasts for decades.Whether you’re launching your first startup or leading an established business, Mike shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode, you’ll learn:• How Roundstone Insurance transformed employer healthcare• Why work-life balance requires intentional decisions• How to recognize the signs of burnout before it’s too late• Why travel and reflection improve leadership• The importance of building a trusted leadership team• Why entrepreneurship demands complete commitment• How family helps create perspective as a founder• The value of resilience during difficult seasons• Why optimism and continuous improvement drive long-term successMike also shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the lessons he learned from taking entrepreneurial risks, and why founders should embrace the responsibility that comes with building something meaningful.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, business leadership, work-life balance, founder mindset, personal development, and building successful companies, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Sarah WalkerWebsite: https://nuanceinteriors.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nuanceinteriorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahplattwalker/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nuanceinteriorsYour home influences far more than your comfort—it shapes your health, mindset, relationships, and overall quality of life.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Sarah Walker, Founder and Principal Designer of Nuance Interior Design, to explore how intentional design can improve wellness, support families, and create spaces that help people thrive.Sarah shares her journey from growing up in Dubai to founding an internationally recognized interior design firm that advises families and family offices around the world. Inspired by her father’s commitment to sustainability and her mother’s passion for art and holistic medicine, she built a business that combines beautiful design with science-backed wellness principles.A life-changing car accident during design school transformed the way Sarah viewed the built environment. It became the catalyst for her mission to create homes that don’t simply look beautiful—they actively improve the lives of the people who live in them.Throughout the conversation, we discuss entrepreneurship, wellness, leadership, sustainability, resilience, and why asking for help is one of the fastest ways to accelerate your personal and professional growth.Whether you’re building a business, designing your dream home, or looking to create a more intentional life, Sarah shares practical lessons that every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• How your home affects your physical and mental wellbeing• Why wellness should be part of every design decision• How a life-changing accident shaped Sarah’s entrepreneurial journey• The importance of sustainability in modern living• Why founders don’t have to build everything alone• How coaching and mentorship accelerate business growth• The value of creating environments that reduce stress• Why intentional design creates better daily habits• How asking for help can transform both your business and your lifeSarah also shares why curiosity has been one of her greatest competitive advantages, how she balances entrepreneurship with family life, and why the spaces we create ultimately shape the people we become.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, wellness, business leadership, founder mindset, personal development, sustainability, and intentional living, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Josh OteroLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshotero/Elanah AI: https://elanah.aiWarrior GMR Foundation: https://warriorgmrfoundation.orgIn this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Josh Otero, CEO and Co-Founder of Elanah.AI and Founder of the Warrior GMR Foundation, to discuss how technology, community, and purpose can transform mental health support for veterans, first responders, and everyday people.Josh shares his entrepreneurial journey from financial services to launching multiple businesses in health, fitness, and technology. After witnessing the devastating rise in veteran suicides during the COVID-19 pandemic, he founded the Warrior GMR Foundation to create meaningful communities through gaming and peer support.That mission eventually led to the creation of Elanah.AI, an AI-powered platform designed to provide immediate mental health support when human resources aren’t available—because mental health crises don’t happen on a schedule.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, resilience, purpose, failure, leadership, and why some of the most impactful businesses are born from solving deeply personal problems.Whether you’re building your first startup or searching for greater purpose in your entrepreneurial journey, Josh shares lessons that every founder can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why purpose creates stronger businesses• How AI can improve access to mental health support• The entrepreneurial lessons hidden inside failure• Why community is essential for wellbeing• How gaming became a platform for meaningful human connection• The importance of resilience during difficult seasons• Why founders should solve problems they genuinely care about• How continuous learning turns failure into growth• Why the best entrepreneurs simply refuse to quitJosh also shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, why serving others became his greatest motivation, and how believing in yourself through failure ultimately creates long-term success.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, resilience, mental health, business leadership, startup journeys, artificial intelligence, and personal development, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Rusty FullingWebsite: https://www.fullingmgmt.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rustyfulling/Company's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fulling-management-&-accountingFinancial leadership is about more than numbers—it’s about helping business owners make better decisions, build stronger companies, and create lives they actually enjoy.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Rusty Fuhling, Founder of Fuhling Management & Accounting, to discuss how financial clarity helps entrepreneurs grow healthier businesses and become better leaders.Rusty shares his journey from corporate accounting to building a fractional CFO firm that helps companies across the United States improve profitability, strengthen financial systems, and make more confident strategic decisions.But this conversation goes well beyond accounting.Rusty explains why founders often spend too much time working in their business instead of leading it, how financial visibility creates better decision-making, and why success should never come at the expense of your family or your health.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial strategy, work-life balance, resilience, and the importance of building systems that allow businesses—and founders—to thrive.Whether you’re launching your first company or leading a growing organization, Rusty shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why every growing business needs financial visibility • How a fractional CFO can accelerate business growth • Why founders should make decisions based on data, not emotion • The importance of building systems instead of constant firefighting • How family and health contribute to long-term business success • Why delegation creates stronger companies • The value of financial discipline during uncertain times • How better leadership starts with better financial understanding • Why sustainable growth always beats rapid, uncontrolled growthRusty also shares the pivotal moments that shaped his entrepreneurial journey, the lessons he’s learned while helping business owners across multiple industries, and why great financial leadership is ultimately about giving founders more freedom—not just bigger numbers.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial planning, founder mindset, business strategy, accounting, and personal development, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Bruno DrummondWebsite: https://drummondadvisors.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bdrummond/Success in entrepreneurship starts with mastering one thing: your mindset. Before you can convince customers, investors, or employees to believe in your vision, you have to believe in it yourself.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Bruno Drummond, Founder and CEO of Drummond Advisors, to discuss how growing up in Brazil, building multiple international companies, and leading teams across several industries shaped his approach to entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth.Bruno shares his journey from selling products as a teenager to building a global advisory firm that helps businesses expand internationally. Along the way, he launched multiple companies in compliance software, real estate, and business operations, learning firsthand what it takes to scale organizations while wearing many different leadership hats.But this conversation goes far beyond business strategy.Bruno explains why your mind can become your greatest competitive advantage—or your biggest obstacle. He shares how developing a growth mindset, embracing discomfort, and staying calm under pressure have allowed him to navigate setbacks and continue building successful businesses.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, resilience, family, health, mindset, and the habits that help founders perform at their highest level.Whether you’re starting your first business or leading an established company, Bruno shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why mindset is every entrepreneur’s greatest asset • How a growth mindset creates long-term business success • Why learning never stops for great founders • The importance of staying calm under pressure • How family shapes leadership and personal priorities • Why health and consistency improve business performance • The value of embracing difficult moments instead of avoiding them • How building multiple companies requires different leadership styles • Why entrepreneurs succeed by pushing through self-doubtBruno also shares how losing his father at a young age changed his perspective on responsibility, why becoming a father transformed his leadership, and how his commitment to continuous learning has fueled decades of entrepreneurial success.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, resilience, startup journeys, personal development, and business growth, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Caleb AveryWebsite: https://tilled.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-avery/Building a successful startup isn’t about finding the perfect idea—it’s about choosing a problem you’re passionate enough to solve for the next decade.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Caleb Avery, Founder and CEO of Tilled, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey from selling payment solutions door-to-door at 19 years old to building one of the leading embedded payments platforms in the fintech industry.Caleb shares how years of consulting software companies revealed a common problem: businesses were leaving millions of dollars in payment revenue on the table. That insight led him to found Tilled, a company pioneering the concept of “PayFac as a Service” and helping software platforms monetize embedded payments more effectively.But this conversation goes beyond fintech.Caleb opens up about launching a startup during the uncertainty of COVID-19 while raising two young children, the importance of having a supportive family, and why entrepreneurship is less about balance and more about being intentional with your time.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, resilience, family, and what it really takes to build a company that lasts.Whether you’re considering launching your first business or scaling an existing startup, Caleb shares practical lessons every founder can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why solving the right problem matters more than chasing trends • How embedded payments create new revenue opportunities • Why startups require long-term commitment and patience • The importance of being intentional with your time as a founder • How to balance entrepreneurship with raising a family • Why passion is essential for long-term business success • The value of staying focused during uncertain times • How COVID shaped both Caleb’s business and personal life • Why founders should build businesses they’re excited to run for the next ten yearsCaleb also shares how his wife encouraged him to continue building Tilled during one of the most uncertain periods of his life, why being present with his children matters more than chasing the idea of perfect balance, and how consistency compounds into entrepreneurial success.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, fintech, business leadership, startup journeys, business growth, and personal development, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Meredith HirshWebsite: meredithhirsh.comInstagram: @WorkingHealthcareFacebook: @WorkingHealthcareLinkedIn: @meredithfhirshYouTube: @WorkingHealthcareLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/meredithfhirshApple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/working-healthcare/id1746629912Confidence is one of the greatest advantages an entrepreneur can have. Before anyone else believes in your vision, you have to believe in yourself.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Meredith Hirs, CEO of the Hirs Center for Arthritis & Sports Medicine, to discuss her unconventional journey from advertising and education into healthcare entrepreneurship, where she built and now leads one of South Florida’s largest independent rheumatology practices.Meredith shares how a difficult partnership offer presented to her husband became the catalyst for launching their own medical practice. What began as a leap of faith has grown into a thriving organization with more than 60 employees, multiple physicians, advanced practitioners, and a reputation for patient-centered care.But this conversation goes well beyond healthcare.Meredith opens up about balancing entrepreneurship with raising three children, returning to earn her MBA later in life, and learning one of the hardest lessons every founder faces: you can delegate responsibilities, but you can never completely walk away from your business.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, confidence, family, health, personal growth, and the mindset required to build a successful company while creating a meaningful life.Whether you’re launching your first business or leading an established organization, Meredith shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why confidence is one of a founder’s greatest assets • How believing in yourself creates new opportunities • Why founders can never completely abandon their business • The importance of building the right leadership team • How family influences entrepreneurial decisions • Why continuous learning creates stronger leaders • The value of prioritizing your health and wellbeing • How saying “no” becomes a leadership skill • Why success comes from both aptitude and attitudeMeredith also shares how returning to graduate school transformed her leadership, why she’s intentionally entering a new chapter focused on herself and her family, and how decades of entrepreneurial experience have strengthened her belief that confidence is often the deciding factor between success and failure.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, confidence, personal development, work-life balance, and startup journeys, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Rick BeyerWebsite: https://engagewellness.orgWebsite: https://onepacificfs.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/engagewellness/Email: [email protected] a successful business isn’t just about growing revenue—it’s about creating a life where your health, family, faith, and purpose grow alongside it.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Rick Beyer, CEO of Engage Wellness and COO of One Pacific Financial Strategies, to discuss how decades of leadership, entrepreneurship, and business transformation shaped his philosophy on success, wellness, and intentional living.Rick shares his remarkable journey from leading major mergers and acquisitions for Daimler and Freightliner to building one of Arizona’s largest financial services practices before launching businesses focused on financial planning, employee wellness, and behavioral change.But this conversation goes far beyond business.Rick explains why true leadership begins with serving others, how wellness and financial planning are both rooted in human behavior, and why entrepreneurs should focus on creating sustainable success instead of simply working harder.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, resilience, family, health, faith, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to become better.Whether you’re building your first company or leading an established organization, Rick shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why great leadership begins with serving others• How wellness and financial planning share the same behavioral principles• Why entrepreneurs should focus on consistency instead of perfection• The importance of protecting your health while building a business• How faith and purpose shape better leadership decisions• Why surrounding yourself with great people accelerates success• The value of being coachable throughout your entrepreneurial journey• How intentional family time creates lasting impact• Why believing in yourself is the first step toward earning the trust of othersRick also shares how transitioning from corporate leadership into entrepreneurship changed his perspective on success, why helping employers improve employee wellness became his personal mission, and how staying focused on your purpose allows you to navigate life’s biggest challenges.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, health and wellness, resilience, personal development, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Richard CraneLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/richardcrane/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/richcraneYouTube (Inventing Fire with AI)https://www.youtube.com/@InventingFirewithAIBlog (Inventing Fire with AI)https://inventingfirewith.ai/Business Website (MILL5)https://mill5.com/Artificial intelligence isn’t replacing entrepreneurs—it’s empowering the founders who are willing to adapt faster than everyone else.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Richard Crane, Founder, CTO, and CIO of Mil5, to discuss entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and the mindset required to build a global technology company in one of the fastest-changing industries in the world.Richard shares his journey from electrical and computer engineering to Microsoft, where he spent a decade helping enterprise customers solve their toughest technical challenges before co-founding Mil5. What started with two people in a room has grown into a global software development and AI consulting company with more than 350 employees across seven countries.But this conversation goes far beyond technology.Richard explains why entrepreneurs must embrace discomfort, why AI is becoming an essential skill for every professional, and how continuously investing in yourself is the only way to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving world.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, resilience, health, family, artificial intelligence, and the habits that help founders continue growing long after their companies become successful.Whether you’re building a startup, leading a technology company, or simply trying to stay ahead in the age of AI, Richard shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why AI is becoming a non-negotiable skill for every entrepreneur • How continuous learning creates long-term competitive advantages • Why embracing discomfort leads to greater success • The importance of investing in yourself before investing in your business • How health and fitness improve entrepreneurial performance • Why keeping your circle small helps maintain focus • How global technology companies scale successfully • Why entrepreneurs should welcome change instead of resisting it • How resilience shapes both leadership and personal growthRichard also shares the childhood experiences that fueled his relentless work ethic, why he believes comfort is the enemy of progress, and how staying curious has helped him build multiple successful technology ventures throughout his career.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, founder mindset, business leadership, startup journeys, technology, innovation, and personal development, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Bart DavisWebsite: https://512financial.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartdavis512/Building a successful business isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about making confident decisions with incomplete information and staying focused on what matters most.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Bart Davis, Co-Founder and CEO of 512 Financial, to discuss his unexpected journey from public accounting to entrepreneurship and how helping founders gain financial clarity has become his life’s work.Bart shares how a career that began at PwC auditing oil and gas companies evolved into leading finance and accounting operations for software companies before launching 512 Financial, a fractional finance firm that helps startups and growing businesses build the financial foundation needed to scale successfully.But this conversation goes beyond accounting.Bart opens up about balancing entrepreneurship with raising two young daughters, why protecting family time has become one of his highest priorities, and how rediscovering fitness has made him a more productive entrepreneur and leader.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, family, health, financial strategy, resilience, and the realities of building a company while navigating uncertainty.Whether you’re starting your first business or growing an established company, Bart shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why financial clarity helps businesses grow faster • How fractional finance teams support scaling companies • Why entrepreneurs must make decisions without perfect information • The importance of protecting family time as a founder • How fitness improves focus, energy, and leadership • Why uncertainty is part of every entrepreneurial journey • How trusting your team creates stronger organizations • Why flexibility matters when building a growing business • How long-term consistency creates sustainable successBart also shares how becoming a father reshaped his priorities, why the COVID years strengthened his appreciation for family, and how embracing uncertainty has helped him build a thriving business serving startups across the country.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, financial planning, startup growth, business strategy, resilience, and personal development, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Dave GrebetzLinkedIn: Dave GrebezBuilding a successful business isn’t about avoiding setbacks—it’s about having the resilience to keep moving forward when everyone else tells you to quit.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Dave Grebetz, Founder of ClearCom, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey from working in manufacturing and cable television to building and successfully exiting a multi-million-dollar security and technology integration company.Dave shares how he recognized emerging technologies long before they became mainstream, from cable television and fiber optics to digital surveillance systems. Starting as one person in a van, he grew ClearCom into a business generating more than $5 million in annual revenue before successfully selling the company after nearly two decades of building with the end in mind.But this conversation goes far beyond entrepreneurship.Dave opens up about losing his first wife to cancer, how that experience reshaped his perspective on health and life, and why perseverance became the defining characteristic of both his personal and professional journey.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, resilience, health, family, long-term planning, and the mindset required to overcome life’s biggest challenges.Whether you’re launching your first business or preparing for an eventual exit, Dave shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why every entrepreneur should begin with the end in mind • How perseverance separates successful founders from everyone else • Why recognizing emerging technologies creates business opportunities • The importance of building recurring revenue into your business • How health and fitness improve long-term leadership • Why planning your exit should start years before you sell • How resilience helps entrepreneurs overcome major setbacks • Why surrounding yourself with trusted advisors accelerates growth • How staying true to your purpose creates lasting successDave also shares how personal tragedy transformed his outlook on life, why investing in his health became one of his greatest priorities, and how decades of preparation ultimately led to a successful business exit and a fulfilling new chapter focused on family, travel, and giving back.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, business exits, resilience, startup journeys, personal development, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslifeConnect with today's guest:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradswineheart/Oxford Advisory Group: https://oxfordadvisorygroup.com/Entrepreneurial success isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about developing the mindset to keep moving forward no matter what life throws your way.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Brad Swineheart, Chief Growth Officer at Oxford Advisory Group, to discuss the lessons he’s learned throughout a career in sales, marketing, financial services, and leadership.Brad shares how he went from working construction and retail sales to helping thousands of families better understand retirement planning and financial education. Along the way, he discovered that the greatest opportunities often come from simplifying complex ideas and building trust through education.But this conversation goes far beyond business.Brad opens up about losing everything in a devastating Florida hurricane, how that experience reshaped his perspective on family and success, and why resilience is one of the most valuable traits every entrepreneur can develop.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, resilience, health, family, personal growth, and the mindset required to overcome life’s biggest challenges.Whether you’re launching your first startup or growing an established business, Brad shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why entrepreneurial success begins with the right mindset • How resilience helps founders overcome life’s biggest setbacks • Why family should always be your strongest support system • The importance of simplifying complex ideas for your customers • How health and fitness improve entrepreneurial performance • Why marketing is the foundation of every successful business • How taking time to recharge makes you a better leader • Why determination matters more than talent alone • How confidence and consistency create long-term successBrad also shares how rebuilding his life after losing everything in a hurricane strengthened his family, why his wife has been one of the biggest influences on his success, and how entrepreneurs can stay focused when facing uncertainty and adversity.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, resilience, marketing, personal development, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s GuestWebsite: http://www.leffcommunications.com/Substack: https://substack.com/ ⁨@lefffield⁩  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmleff/Entrepreneurship often begins with one simple decision: saying yes before you know exactly how you’re going to make it happen.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Scott Leff, Founder and CEO of Leff Communications, to discuss how a freelance writing career evolved into a global B2B content marketing agency serving some of the world’s largest consulting firms.Scott shares his entrepreneurial journey from editing the McKinsey Quarterly and working on Chicago’s Olympic bid to launching Leff Communications, a business that’s grown over 16 years by embracing opportunities, learning through experience, and continuously adapting to client needs.But this conversation goes far beyond content marketing.Scott explains why some of the best business opportunities come from saying “yes” before you have all the answers, how learning through failure helped shape his leadership style, and why entrepreneurs don’t need to know everything before getting started.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, resilience, family, creativity, personal growth, and the importance of building confidence through action.Whether you’re starting your first business or growing an established company, Scott shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why saying yes creates unexpected business opportunities • How entrepreneurs learn by doing instead of waiting for certainty • Why failure builds resilience and confidence • The importance of surrounding yourself with experienced mentors • How listening to clients helps businesses evolve • Why agency and ownership improve both leadership and mental health • How creativity fuels long-term business growth • Why building a successful company is an ongoing process of adaptation • How small opportunities can become long-term client relationshipsScott also shares why music has remained an important creative outlet throughout his career, how raising children reinforced the value of resilience, and why every entrepreneur should seek advice from people who have already walked the path they’re beginning.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, content marketing, resilience, startup journeys, personal development, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Darren LaudaLinkedIn: Darren LaudaEmail: [email protected]: https://www.outsetops.comGreat leadership isn’t built by avoiding challenges—it’s built by embracing them, learning from failure, and taking action before you feel completely ready.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Darren Lauda, Founder and CEO of Outset, to discuss his remarkable journey from serving in the U.S. Army to leading global software companies and launching an AI-powered forecasting platform designed to help businesses make smarter decisions.Darren shares how his career began as a receptionist at a small software company after leaving the military, working his way through sales and executive leadership roles at companies like Salesforce before eventually founding Outset. Along the way, he learned that success comes from consistency, resilience, and staying focused on what matters most.But this conversation goes far beyond software and AI.Darren opens up about a defining moment when his young son left him a voicemail saying he had to look at his father’s picture to remember what he looked like. That moment completely changed Darren’s priorities, leading him to transform his health, become more present with his family, and redefine what success truly means.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, resilience, health, family, artificial intelligence, and the mindset required to build both a successful business and a meaningful life.Whether you’re launching your first startup or leading a growing company, Darren shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why taking action is more important than waiting for perfection • How resilience is built through difficult experiences • Why family should always come before career success • How AI can improve business forecasting and decision-making • The importance of scheduling your health like any other business priority • Why celebrating failure accelerates learning • How military discipline shaped Darren’s leadership style • Why founders should spend more time talking to customers than perfecting products • How long-term consistency creates extraordinary resultsDarren also shares the Army lesson that permanently changed his mindset, why strength training and health became essential after years of constant travel, and how redefining his priorities helped him become a better husband, father, and entrepreneur.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, artificial intelligence, resilience, startup journeys, personal development, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Lindsay GorrillWebsite: https://www.stargoldcorp.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-gorrill-b98b07176/Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s often the foundation of it. The entrepreneurs who build lasting companies aren’t the ones who avoid setbacks, but the ones who learn, adapt, and keep moving forward.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Lindsay Gorril, Founder and CEO of Star Gold Corp., to discuss his remarkable entrepreneurial journey through the global mining industry and the lessons he learned from building businesses across North America, India, and beyond.Lindsay shares how he left a successful accounting career to launch his first mining company with just $60,000, only to discover that his first acquisition was the wrong business. Facing the possibility of bankruptcy early in his entrepreneurial journey, he was forced to reassess, pivot, and rebuild—a decision that ultimately shaped the rest of his career.But this conversation goes far beyond mining.Lindsay explains why belief in yourself is one of the most important qualities an entrepreneur can develop, how international business taught him the importance of understanding different cultures, and why surrounding yourself with talented people leads to better decisions.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, resilience, family, health, travel, and the mindset required to build companies that stand the test of time.Whether you’re launching your first startup or leading an established business, Lindsay shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why failure often becomes the greatest teacher in entrepreneurship • How believing in yourself helps overcome major setbacks • Why understanding different cultures creates better leaders • The importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge your thinking • How family provides stability throughout the entrepreneurial journey • Why resilience matters more than early success • How adapting after failure creates new opportunities • Why entrepreneurs should deeply understand both their business and their competitors • How long-term vision helps founders navigate uncertaintyLindsay also shares how building businesses around the world expanded his perspective on leadership, why environmental responsibility is critical to modern mining, and how decades of persistence eventually positioned him to develop his fourth mine after years of waiting for the right market conditions.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, resilience, startup journeys, personal development, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Ken SalazarLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-salazar-00198a8/Website: https://www.gosilveredge.com/Email: [email protected] wealth is rewarding—but building a meaningful life is what truly matters. The most successful entrepreneurs eventually discover that success isn’t measured by the size of their business, but by the impact they have on their family, community, and the people around them.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Ken Salazar, entrepreneur, investor, and CEO of SilverEdge, to discuss his journey through the payments industry, fintech, entrepreneurship, and the life lessons that came from building and selling successful companies.Ken shares how his career began in investment banking during the dot-com crash before transitioning into the payments industry, where he helped businesses adopt emerging technologies that transformed how companies accept and process payments. After successfully exiting his business, he entered the fintech world before returning to lead SilverEdge with a renewed vision for modernizing business payments.But this conversation goes far beyond fintech.Ken reflects on a pivotal moment in his early thirties when he realized that despite achieving financial success, something was missing. That realization led him to redefine success around faith, family, health, and service—principles that continue to guide both his business and personal life.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, resilience, health, family, personal growth, and why success without purpose can leave entrepreneurs feeling empty.Whether you’re building your first startup or leading an established business, Ken shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why true wealth extends beyond financial success • How technology continues transforming the payments industry • Why entrepreneurs should avoid scaling before they’re ready • The importance of building businesses with the right people and systems • How health and fitness improve leadership performance • Why intentional family time creates lasting impact • How faith and purpose reshape entrepreneurial success • Why surrounding yourself with other entrepreneurs accelerates growth • How continuous self-improvement creates better leadersKen also shares how CrossFit, travel, and lifelong learning help him stay energized, why family dinners became one of his highest priorities, and how building a successful business means very little if you lose sight of the people who matter most.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, fintech, payments, resilience, personal development, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

Season 5 was about more than business.It was about:• Vision before revenue• Growth through discomfort• Learning from failure• Contentment over ego• And building support systems that matterIf you missed an episode, go back and catch up now.Season 6 is coming soon.Subscribe so you don’t miss it.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Brad McGinityLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcginity/Fear never completely disappears as an entrepreneur. The difference is that successful founders learn to take action anyway, trusting that growth comes from stepping into uncertainty instead of avoiding it.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Brad McGinnity, Chief Revenue Officer at Tithely, to discuss his journey through SaaS startups, startup failures, leadership, and the lessons that come from building companies while raising a family.Brad shares how he stumbled into software sales, co-founded a marketing analytics startup while in business school, and experienced the uncertainty of building a venture-backed company with little financial security. Those early challenges taught him resilience, strengthened his confidence, and helped shape the leader he is today.But this conversation goes far beyond software.Brad opens up about growing up through his parents’ divorce, how that experience shaped his commitment to family, and why success means very little if you’re not fully present with the people who matter most.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, health, resilience, family, faith, and the habits that help founders perform at their best.Whether you’re launching your first startup or leading an established company, Brad shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why fear should never stop you from pursuing your vision • How startup failures build confidence instead of destroying it • Why exercising every day improves leadership performance • The importance of being fully present with your family • How accountability creates lasting healthy habits • Why consistency matters more than perfection • How setbacks prepare entrepreneurs for bigger opportunities • Why building a business should be about more than financial success • How resilience compounds throughout your entrepreneurial journeyBrad also shares how his Soft 60 accountability program transformed his health, why movement has become a non-negotiable part of his daily routine, and how embracing difficult seasons helped him become both a stronger entrepreneur and a better husband and father.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, startup growth, resilience, personal development, health, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Jeffrey HayzlettWebsite: https://c-suitenetwork.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayzlett/Podcast: All Business with Jeffrey HayzlettTrust isn’t built through marketing—it’s built through relationships. The strongest businesses aren’t simply selling products; they’re creating communities where people genuinely want to belong.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Jeffrey Hayzlett, Chairman of C-Suite Network, former Fortune 100 Chief Marketing Officer, bestselling author, and television host, to discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, media, and what it takes to build trust at scale.Jeffrey shares his incredible journey from buying his first printing company in South Dakota to leading marketing at Kodak, serving as a judge on Celebrity Apprentice, hosting shows on Bloomberg Television, and ultimately building C-Suite Network into one of the world’s largest communities of business executives.But this conversation goes far beyond business.Jeffrey explains why every modern company must think like a media company, how meaningful content builds stronger relationships than traditional advertising, and why surrounding yourself with mentors can completely change the trajectory of your life.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, marketing, resilience, community, health, family, and the importance of investing your time where it creates the greatest value.Whether you’re launching your first startup or leading a global organization, Jeffrey shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why every business should think like a media company • How trusted communities become a long-term competitive advantage • Why relationships matter more than transactions • How mentors can completely change your entrepreneurial journey • Why protecting your time is one of a leader’s greatest responsibilities • How authentic content outperforms traditional marketing • Why lifelong learning fuels continued success • How great leaders create value by helping others grow • Why entrepreneurs should think bigger and move fasterJeffrey also shares how his experiences at Kodak, Bloomberg Television, and C-Suite Network shaped his leadership philosophy, why curiosity continues to drive his success, and how building genuine relationships has opened doors throughout his entire career.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, marketing, media, community building, personal development, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Tim MetznerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmetznerCompany's Site: https://www.fireroad.io/Free daily booster shot of motivation: www.dailymo.coBuilding a business that lasts isn’t about chasing the next trend—it’s about investing in people, embracing new technology, and staying committed to your values through every stage of the journey.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Tim Metzner, Founder and CEO of Fireroad, to discuss entrepreneurship, venture capital, company building, and why the next generation of successful businesses will combine traditional industries with modern technology.Tim shares his journey from joining a startup while still in college to helping build Cincinnati’s startup ecosystem through venture-backed companies, accelerators, angel investing, and now Fireroad—a venture fund and holding company focused on acquiring and modernizing small businesses with technology and AI.But this conversation goes far beyond startups.Tim opens up about raising four children while building companies, why entrepreneurship has seasons, and how his faith has shaped both his leadership style and his definition of success. He also explains why great founders don’t try to do everything themselves—they surround themselves with exceptional people.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, resilience, family, faith, health, venture capital, and the mindset required to build businesses that stand the test of time.Whether you’re launching your first startup or leading an established business, Tim shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why entrepreneurship happens in seasons, not perfect balance • How AI will transform traditional industries instead of replacing them • Why building the right team is every founder’s greatest advantage • The importance of protecting family time during intense work seasons • How coaching youth sports creates better leadership skills • Why health should be treated like any other business priority • How faith shaped Tim’s entrepreneurial journey • Why founders should focus on long-term ownership instead of quick exits • How investing in people creates businesses that last for generationsTim also shares why one-on-one trips with his children have become a family tradition, how his wife has been an essential partner throughout his entrepreneurial journey, and why surrounding yourself with people who complement your strengths is one of the smartest investments a founder can make.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, venture capital, business leadership, startup growth, family, faith, resilience, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Jim ZipurskyWebsites: www.cfaw.com and www.cfaw.com/omahaLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-zipursky-2343281/Building a successful career shouldn’t require sacrificing your health, your family, or the experiences that make life meaningful. The best entrepreneurs understand that lasting success comes from playing the long game.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Jimmy Zipursky, Managing Director of Corporate Finance Associates and Chairman & CEO of CFA Worldwide, to discuss entrepreneurship, mergers and acquisitions, family business, and what it takes to build a rewarding career without losing sight of what matters most.Jimmy shares his unconventional path into investment banking, from working in college athletics and recruiting to joining his father’s mergers and acquisitions firm. Along the way, he discovered that helping founders navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives—the sale of their business—is about much more than financial transactions.But this conversation goes far beyond mergers and acquisitions.Jimmy reflects on growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, the lessons passed down by his father, and how his wife helped redefine the balance between career success and family life. He also explains why slowing down, enjoying the journey, and making time for meaningful experiences has become one of the greatest lessons of his career.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, family, health, resilience, travel, and the importance of building a life—not just a business.Whether you’re starting your first company or preparing for the next stage of your entrepreneurial journey, Jimmy shares practical lessons every founder can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint • How family businesses shape entrepreneurial thinking • Why founders should protect family time above everything else • The importance of slowing down and enjoying the journey • How daily habits improve long-term health and leadership • Why mentorship can completely change your career • How selling a business is about people, not just numbers • Why entrepreneurs should let the business grow before themselves • How work-life balance creates more sustainable successJimmy also shares why family dinners became a non-negotiable tradition, how traveling differently changed his perspective on life, and why taking time to experience the places you visit can be just as valuable as the business meetings themselves.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, mergers and acquisitions, family business, work-life balance, resilience, and personal development, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Stacy EnnisWebsite: https://stacyennis.comPodcast: Beyond BetterInstagram: @stacyennis - https://www.instagram.com/stacyennis/LinkedIn: Stacy Ennis - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacylynn/Youtube:  https://youtube.com/@UCSSBgjPbZEJyUOAYGcAoVYQ The best businesses don’t consume your life—they support the life you want to live. Success isn’t just about building a profitable company; it’s about intentionally designing a business that aligns with your values, your family, and your future.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Stacy Ennis, book strategist, author coach, and founder of a globally recognized writing consultancy, to discuss entrepreneurship, creativity, personal growth, and why founders should build their lives before they build their businesses.Stacy shares her journey from falling in love with books as a child to becoming a professional editor, ghostwriter, and trusted advisor to bestselling authors, Nobel Prize winners, and thought leaders. Along the way, she built a fully remote business that allowed her family to move internationally and create a life centered around freedom, health, and purpose.But this conversation goes far beyond writing books.Stacy explains why hustle culture is one of the biggest myths in entrepreneurship, how rest fuels better performance, and why founders should intentionally create businesses that serve their lives instead of controlling them.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, family, health, travel, resilience, creativity, and the importance of designing a life you’re excited to wake up to every day.Whether you’re starting your first company or looking to redefine success, Stacy shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why your business should support your life—not the other way around • How rest and recovery improve entrepreneurial performance • Why hustle culture often leads to burnout instead of success • The importance of creating a clear vision for your future • How writing a book can strengthen your business and personal brand • Why health is one of the greatest competitive advantages for founders • How travel and new experiences create better leaders • Why empathy is an essential entrepreneurial skill • How intentional decisions compound into an extraordinary lifeStacy also shares how moving abroad transformed her worldview, why her family’s approach to health became a defining part of their lifestyle, and how creating space for creativity and restoration has helped her build a business she truly loves.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, personal development, health and wellness, creativity, resilience, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Darryl HefflineWebsite: https://www.darrylheffline.com Book: Shifting Gears at the Crossroads LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrylheffline/Success isn’t built on business alone. The strongest entrepreneurs build their lives on four foundations: faith, family, fitness, and finances. When one is neglected, everything else eventually begins to suffer.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Darryl “DJ” Heffline, serial entrepreneur, executive, author, and transformation coach, to discuss the lessons he learned after experiencing both extraordinary success and devastating setbacks throughout his 40-year entrepreneurial career.DJ shares how losing a business he helped build became the wake-up call that forced him to reevaluate everything. Instead of defining himself by his career, he began rebuilding his life around principles that would create lasting fulfillment, resilience, and purpose.But this conversation goes far beyond entrepreneurship.DJ introduces the four foundational pillars that have shaped his life—faith, family, fitness, and finances—and explains why true transformation begins when founders stop chasing success at the expense of everything else.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, resilience, personal growth, family, health, and the mindset required to navigate life’s inevitable disruptions.Whether you’re building your first startup or rebuilding after a setback, DJ shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why every founder needs strong foundations beyond business • How setbacks can become the catalyst for transformation • Why identity should never be tied only to your career • The importance of balancing faith, family, fitness, and finances • How intentional routines create long-term success • Why entrepreneurs should schedule time for what matters most • How resilience is built through adversity • Why creating a personal vision is essential for leadership • How transforming yourself leads to transforming your businessDJ also shares how one of the most difficult periods of his life became the beginning of a completely new chapter, why personal transformation is an ongoing process, and how every disruption presents an opportunity to become stronger than before.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, resilience, personal development, work-life balance, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Vova FeldmanCompany: FreemiusWebsite: https://freemius.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladimir-feldman/X (Twitter): https://x.com/vovafeldmanYouTube: Captain VovaBuilding a successful company shouldn’t come at the cost of your health, your relationships, or your peace of mind. The best entrepreneurs learn that sustainable success comes from balance—not constant hustle.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Vova Feldman, Founder and CEO of Freemius, to discuss entrepreneurship, SaaS, startup growth, and the lessons he learned while building a global platform that helps software companies sell products around the world.Vova shares how a side project became Freemius after realizing that building software was often easier than commercializing it. What started as solving his own problem evolved into a platform that empowers thousands of software developers to launch, sell, and grow their businesses without reinventing the commercial side of software.But this conversation goes far beyond startups.Vova reflects on becoming a father later in life, how parenting transformed the way he prioritizes his time, and why entrepreneurs need to learn when to stop working, recharge, and trust the teams they’ve built.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, family, health, resilience, personal growth, and the mindset required to build a business without sacrificing the life you’re building it for.Whether you’re launching your first startup or leading a growing SaaS company, Vova shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why overworking eventually hurts both you and your business • How becoming a parent changes your priorities as a founder • Why great entrepreneurs learn to focus on what matters most • The importance of sleep, fitness, and daily routines • How sports improve both physical and mental performance • Why mentorship accelerates entrepreneurial growth • How learning from mistakes creates better leaders • Why staying calm during challenges leads to better decisions • How balancing work and life creates more sustainable successVova also shares how Techstars helped shape his entrepreneurial mindset, why customer experience matters more than technical perfection, and how helping other founders succeed has become one of the most rewarding parts of building Freemius.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, SaaS, software startups, business leadership, resilience, personal development, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Aaron EdwardsCompany: The Charles GroupWebsite: https://www.thecharlesgrp.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronedwards/Personal Website: https://www.aaroncharlesedwards.com/Entrepreneurship isn’t a job title—it’s a mindset. Whether you’re building a startup, leading a team, or growing your career, thinking like an entrepreneur can transform the way you approach challenges, opportunities, and life itself.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Aaron Edwards, Founder and CEO of The Charles Group, to discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, branding, and how building a successful business starts long before launching your first company.Aaron shares his journey from growing up in Manchester, England, to building a global digital agency in New York City that partners with Fortune 500 brands. Along the way, he reflects on the influence of his entrepreneurial parents, the lessons learned from early failures, and why success comes from embracing curiosity, resilience, and continuous growth.But this conversation goes far beyond business.Aaron explains why entrepreneurship is really a journey of self-discovery, how becoming a father transformed his leadership style, and why work-life integration is a healthier goal than trying to achieve perfect work-life balance.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, family, health, creativity, resilience, and the mindset required to build both a successful company and a meaningful life.Whether you’re launching your first startup or simply looking to think more like an entrepreneur, Aaron shares practical lessons everyone can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why entrepreneurship is a mindset—not a job title • How early failures often become your greatest advantages • Why work-life integration is better than chasing perfect balance • How becoming a parent changes your leadership style • The importance of building a business around outcomes instead of ego • Why curiosity drives long-term entrepreneurial success • How fitness and health improve decision-making • Why every professional can benefit from entrepreneurial thinking • How resilience compounds over the course of a careerAaron also shares how moving from the UK to New York shaped his entrepreneurial journey, why building relationships matters more than chasing titles, and how creating the right culture helps both businesses and people thrive.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, branding, creativity, startup growth, personal development, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – J.D. LaRockOrganization: Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)Website: https://www.nfte.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-d-larock-j-d-ed-d-56765298/Instagram / TikTok: @NFTESuccess isn’t reserved for entrepreneurs who launch billion-dollar companies. It’s available to anyone willing to think differently, build confidence, and take ownership of their future.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with JD LaRock, President and CEO of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), to discuss how entrepreneurial thinking can transform lives—whether someone starts a business or simply becomes a better leader, employee, or community member.JD shares his journey through education, government, journalism, and nonprofit leadership before taking the helm at NFTE, a global organization that has helped hundreds of thousands of young people develop the confidence, creativity, and mindset needed to succeed in today’s world.But this conversation goes far beyond entrepreneurship education.JD reflects on the power of mentorship, how one leader’s belief in him changed the course of his career, and why confidence—not business knowledge—is often the biggest factor separating those who pursue opportunities from those who never try.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, leadership, education, family, health, personal growth, and the importance of helping others unlock their potential.Whether you’re building a startup, leading a team, or simply looking to grow personally, JD shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why confidence is one of the greatest gifts you can give someone • How entrepreneurial thinking benefits everyone—not just founders • Why mentorship can completely change the trajectory of your life • The importance of investing in education and lifelong learning • How healthy habits improve leadership performance • Why serving others creates lasting fulfillment • How small opportunities can lead to extraordinary careers • Why asking for help is a strength—not a weakness • How entrepreneurs build success by empowering othersJD also shares how losing more than 70 pounds transformed his relationship with health, why becoming a father reshaped his priorities, and how NFTE is helping students around the world develop the confidence to create opportunities for themselves and their communities.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, leadership, education, mentorship, personal development, resilience, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Heather UdoCompany: ShoppableWebsite: https://www.shoppable.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherudo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherudo1/The biggest skill every founder needs isn’t raising money or writing code—it’s learning how to hear “no” without giving up.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Heather Udo, Founder and CEO of Shoppable, to discuss entrepreneurship, innovation, resilience, and the journey of building a company that transformed the way brands sell products online.Heather shares how a frustrating shopping experience while furnishing her first apartment led her to identify a massive gap in e-commerce. Instead of accepting that frustration as normal, she built Shoppable—a technology platform that enables brands, publishers, and creators to embed checkout experiences directly into content.But this conversation goes far beyond technology.Heather reflects on the countless rejections she received while pitching some of the world’s largest retailers, why persistence ultimately opened doors, and how balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood has reshaped her definition of success.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, resilience, family, health, startup growth, and the importance of building companies around real customer problems.Whether you’re launching your first startup or growing an existing business, Heather shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why hearing “no” is part of every entrepreneurial journey • How solving your own frustration can lead to a successful business • Why founders should validate ideas before building products • The importance of starting with a true minimum viable product (MVP) • How persistence turns rejection into opportunity • Why work-life integration is more realistic than work-life balance • How fitness and healthy routines improve entrepreneurial performance • Why networking accelerates startup growth • How customer conversations shape better productsHeather also shares how moving to New York transformed her business, why becoming a mother changed the way she leads, and how building a remote company has allowed her to spend more meaningful time with her family while continuing to grow Shoppable.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, startup growth, innovation, resilience, personal development, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Brandon MartiniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonmartiniStratus Financial: https://stratisfinance.comAviation Mentors Podcast: Available on YouTube & SpotifySuccess isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about refusing to let failure define you. Every entrepreneur will face setbacks, but the founders who keep moving forward are the ones who ultimately build something extraordinary.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Brandon Martini, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Stratus Financial, to discuss entrepreneurship, resilience, aviation, and the lessons he learned from rebuilding after nearly losing everything.Brandon shares his journey from launching a flight school with almost no money to building one of the fastest-growing aviation finance companies in North America. Along the way, he experienced one of every founder’s worst nightmares—nearly his entire team walked out overnight to launch a competing business, taking employees and customers with them.But this conversation goes far beyond business.Brandon opens up about rebuilding from one of the lowest moments of his entrepreneurial career, how losing over 100 pounds transformed his health and confidence, and why becoming a father completely changed his perspective on success.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, resilience, health, family, aviation, personal growth, and the mindset required to overcome life’s toughest challenges.Whether you’re launching your first startup or navigating a difficult season in business, Brandon shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why every setback contains an opportunity to rebuild stronger • How resilience separates successful entrepreneurs from everyone else • Why contentment matters more than chasing happiness • The importance of prioritizing your physical health as a founder • How intermittent fasting and fitness transformed Brandon’s life • Why work-life integration is more realistic than work-life balance • How clear expectations strengthen both business and personal relationships • Why believing in yourself is the foundation of entrepreneurship • How creativity helps founders solve seemingly impossible problemsBrandon also shares how aviation became his lifelong passion, why scuba diving taught him to face fear head-on, and how one of the most painful betrayals of his career ultimately made him a stronger entrepreneur and leader.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, resilience, aviation, startup growth, personal development, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Ed DeAngelisWebsite: https://www.edacontractors.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-deangelis-eda-contractors/Entrepreneurship isn’t for people looking for an easy life. It’s for people willing to embrace uncertainty, push through adversity, and stay committed long after the excitement of starting a business has faded.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Ed DeAngelis, Founder and CEO of EDA Contractors, to discuss entrepreneurship, resilience, leadership, and what it really takes to build a company that lasts more than two decades.Ed shares how his entrepreneurial journey began as a paperboy before eventually founding EDA Contractors, which has grown into one of the leading commercial construction companies in the Northeast. Along the way, he learned that success isn’t about avoiding mistakes—it’s about learning from them, adapting, and continuing to move forward.But this conversation goes far beyond construction.Ed reflects on the years he pushed himself to exhaustion before realizing that building a healthy business starts with building a healthy founder. He explains why balance, resilience, and emotional intelligence have become some of the most important tools in his leadership journey.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, resilience, family, health, personal growth, and the long-term mindset required to build a meaningful business.Whether you’re launching your first startup or leading an established company, Ed shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why entrepreneurship isn’t for people seeking an easy life • How resilience is built through difficult seasons • Why balance creates stronger leaders and healthier businesses • The importance of protecting your physical and mental health • How emotional intelligence improves leadership • Why every entrepreneur should expect setbacks along the journey • How mistakes become your greatest teachers • Why being fully committed is essential to building a successful business • How putting people first creates stronger organizationsEd also shares how nearly burning himself out completely changed the way he leads, why “humanity as a strategy” became a core philosophy of his business, and how embracing the natural highs and lows of entrepreneurship has allowed him to build a company that continues to grow more than 25 years after it began.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, resilience, personal development, health, company culture, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslifeConnect with today's Guest:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajay-gupta-24255366/Website: https://www.stirista.com/Stirista's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stirista-global/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StiristaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stirista/Many founders put everything into building one successful business—but what happens when that industry suddenly disappears? The entrepreneurs who survive are the ones who know how to adapt before it’s too late.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with AJ Gupta, Founder and CEO of Starista, to discuss entrepreneurship, marketing, resilience, and why diversification is one of the most important strategies every founder should embrace.AJ shares his unconventional journey from studying creative writing to building a data-driven marketing company that helps businesses acquire customers through intelligent audience targeting. Along the way, he discovered that success isn’t about following the traditional path—it’s about combining your unique skills with opportunities the market needs.But this conversation goes far beyond marketing.AJ reflects on how COVID nearly devastated his business after losing two of his largest clients almost overnight, why his team refused to panic, and how a strategic pivot ultimately made the company stronger than ever.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, resilience, family, health, personal growth, and the importance of continuously adapting in an unpredictable world.Whether you’re building your first startup or scaling an established business, AJ shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why every founder should diversify before they need to • How creative thinking can become a competitive business advantage • Why passion makes entrepreneurship sustainable • The importance of building a healthy company culture • How fitness and sports improve leadership performance • Why lifelong learning creates better entrepreneurs • How to pivot when your business faces unexpected challenges • Why routines and daily habits improve long-term performance • How resilience helps founders navigate uncertaintyAJ also shares how creative writing unexpectedly prepared him for entrepreneurship, why traveling the world with his family has become one of his biggest priorities, and how staying curious continues to shape both his business and his life.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, marketing, resilience, startup growth, personal development, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Candy MesserWebsite: https://affordablebookkeepingandpayroll.com/Podcast: Biz Help For YouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candymesser/Building a successful business isn’t about working harder forever—it’s about creating systems that eventually allow your business to thrive without you.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Candy Messer, Founder of Affordable Bookkeeping & Payroll and Fractional COO, to discuss entrepreneurship, delegation, financial freedom, and why so many business owners accidentally become prisoners of the companies they built.Candy shares how she never planned to become an entrepreneur until someone convinced her to help with their business. What began as a single client eventually grew into a successful company helping entrepreneurs with bookkeeping, payroll, and business operations while empowering them to reclaim both their time and their lives.But this conversation goes far beyond accounting.Candy explains why many founders struggle to delegate, how setting healthy boundaries transformed her business, and why building systems—not dependency—is the key to achieving true freedom as an entrepreneur.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, family, health, delegation, resilience, and the mindset required to build a business that supports your life instead of consuming it.Whether you’re launching your first company or trying to escape the day-to-day demands of an existing business, Candy shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why delegation is essential for long-term business growth • How healthy boundaries create stronger businesses • Why entrepreneurs often become the biggest bottleneck in their companies • The importance of building systems that allow your business to operate without you • How taking care of your health improves your leadership • Why family should remain a priority throughout your entrepreneurial journey • How empowering employees creates stronger teams • Why stepping away from your business actually makes it healthier • How combining financial freedom with time freedom creates lasting successCandy also shares how leaving the security of a traditional job changed her life, why her husband’s encouragement gave her the confidence to become an entrepreneur, and how taking a true vacation without checking email became one of the biggest milestones in her business journey.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, delegation, financial freedom, work-life balance, resilience, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Charlie ColeLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliecoleEmail: [email protected]: XGen.aiArtificial intelligence isn’t replacing entrepreneurs—but it is changing what great entrepreneurs look like. The founders who thrive in the next decade won’t be the ones who resist AI. They’ll be the ones who learn how to work alongside it.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Charlie Cole, CEO of XGen AI and former executive at brands including Samsonite, TUMI, and Lucky Brand, to discuss entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, leadership, and the future of business.Charlie shares his unconventional journey from studying mathematics with plans to attend law school to becoming one of the leading voices in digital commerce. After decades leading e-commerce for global brands, he recognized the transformational potential of generative AI and founded XGen AI to help businesses create smarter, more personalized shopping experiences.But this conversation goes far beyond technology.Charlie reflects on how becoming a father completely reshaped his priorities, why losing both of his parents changed his perspective on life, and how balancing ambition with presence has become one of the most important challenges of his entrepreneurial journey.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, artificial intelligence, family, health, resilience, and the mindset required to adapt in an era of rapid technological change.Whether you’re building a startup or leading an established company, Charlie shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why AI will transform business without replacing great leaders • How entrepreneurs can use AI to become more productive • Why personalization is the future of customer experience • The importance of knowing both your strengths and weaknesses • How becoming a parent changes your definition of success • Why energy is one of an entrepreneur’s greatest assets • How travel expands your perspective as a leader • Why self-awareness creates better founders • How surrounding yourself with mentors accelerates growthCharlie also shares why cooking has become one of his favorite ways to recharge, how traveling to more than 90 countries shaped his worldview, and why asking yourself, “Am I doing everything I can?” has become the foundation of his definition of a balanced life.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, artificial intelligence, business leadership, e-commerce, resilience, personal development, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Steven MuroWebsite: gowithfusion.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-muro-2985413/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gowithfusion/The goal of entrepreneurship isn’t to retire as early as possible—it’s to build a life so fulfilling that you never feel the need to escape from it.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Stephen Muro, Founder and President of Fusion Marketing, to discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, integrity, and what it takes to build a business that lasts for decades.Stephen shares how a successful corporate marketing career at companies like L’Oréal and Procter & Gamble eventually led him to launch Fusion Marketing. After recognizing an opportunity to bring modern marketing strategies into the fresh produce industry, he built an agency that has spent decades helping companies communicate more effectively while staying true to one simple principle: always do what’s best for the client.But this conversation goes far beyond marketing.Stephen reflects on raising three entrepreneurial sons, why honesty has become the foundation of every client relationship, and how intentionally designing a fulfilling life has allowed him to continue working because he wants to—not because he has to.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, family, health, resilience, purpose, and the importance of building a business around values instead of short-term profits.Whether you’re launching your first company or leading an established business, Stephen shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why honesty builds stronger businesses than sales tactics • How passion creates long-term entrepreneurial success • Why helping clients—even when it costs you money—builds trust • The importance of creating a business you never want to retire from • How health and fitness contribute to better leadership • Why family remains the greatest measure of success • How cycling and lifelong habits support long-term well-being • Why entrepreneurs should focus on serving instead of selling • How integrity compounds into lasting business relationshipsStephen also shares why traveling the world with his wife has become one of his greatest joys, how preserving classic cars keeps him connected to his past, and why his family’s motto—“do it before your wheels fall off”—perfectly captures his philosophy on living a meaningful life.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, integrity, marketing, resilience, personal development, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Alison Weick•LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aweick/•Instagram: @Alison_Weick•Company: https://www.jewlr.com/Building a successful career doesn’t always follow a straight line. Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen when you’re willing to leave your comfort zone and embrace opportunities you never planned for.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Alison Weick, CEO of Jewlr, to discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, career pivots, work-life balance, and what it takes to grow businesses through periods of rapid change.Alison shares her unique career journey from consulting and finance to leading consumer brands like WeightWatchers, Barnes & Noble, Boxed, and now Jewlr. Along the way, she discovered that her greatest strength wasn’t building companies from scratch—it was helping proven businesses reach their next stage of growth.But this conversation goes far beyond business.Alison opens up about balancing executive leadership while raising two young sons, why she rejected the traditional idea of work-life balance, and how leading a company headquartered in another country forced her family to redefine what balance really means.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, business leadership, resilience, family, health, career growth, and the importance of finding the environment where you perform at your best.Whether you’re launching your first startup or navigating a major career transition, Alison shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why career pivots often create the biggest opportunities • How to identify the stage of business where you’ll thrive most • Why solving real customer problems is the foundation of every successful startup • The importance of blending work and life instead of chasing perfect balance • How health, sleep, and routines improve leadership performance • Why ownership and accountability accelerate personal growth • How embracing change leads to better career decisions • Why consumer obsession builds stronger businesses • How passion creates brands that people genuinely connect withAlison also shares how moving from large corporations to high-growth companies transformed her leadership style, why she believes balance looks different for everyone, and how focusing on meaningful work has helped shape a fulfilling career across multiple industries.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, career growth, consumer brands, resilience, personal development, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Robert Heath Sr.•Website: robertheathsr.com•Company: The Legacy Leadership Consulting Group•LinkedIn: [Robert Heath Sr. (007)]Great leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about helping other people become the best version of themselves. The leaders who create lasting impact are the ones who learn how to align people around a shared purpose.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Leo Gestetner sits down with Robert Heath Sr., Founder of Legacy Leadership Consulting Group and former U.S. Marine Corps officer, to discuss leadership, entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the mindset required to bring out greatness in others.Robert shares his remarkable journey from educator to attorney, Marine Corps officer, and leadership consultant. Along the way, he discovered that qualifications alone don’t create great leaders. After watching a highly qualified superintendent fail because she couldn’t inspire people to embrace her vision, Robert dedicated his career to understanding what truly makes leadership effective.But this conversation goes far beyond leadership theory.Robert explains why alignment—not motivation—is the key to building high-performing teams, how regret became the catalyst for changing the course of his life, and why entrepreneurs should stop trying to know everything before taking action.Throughout the conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, leadership, resilience, family, health, purpose, and the importance of living intentionally instead of waiting for the “right time.”Whether you’re building your first startup or leading a growing organization, Robert shares practical lessons every entrepreneur can apply.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why great leadership is about helping others realize their potential • How alignment creates stronger teams than motivation alone • Why qualifications don’t automatically make great leaders • The importance of taking action before regret takes over • How identity shapes every leadership decision you make • Why physical and mental health improve leadership performance • How lifelong learning accelerates personal growth • Why entrepreneurs should embrace not knowing everything • How surrounding yourself with smarter people leads to better outcomesRobert also shares how his childhood inspired a lifelong commitment to service, why the Marine Corps transformed his understanding of leadership, and how one moment of regret completely changed the direction of his life.If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, founder mindset, business leadership, personal development, resilience, purpose-driven leadership, and building meaningful businesses, you’ll enjoy this episode.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life• YouTube:   @AFoundersLife  • LinkedIn • Instagram: @afounderslife• Spotify • Apple Podcast👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Zachary CollinsWebsite: ludus.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharycollins/X (Twitter): [@ZacharyCollins]Zachary is the Co-Founder and CEO of Ludus, a fast-growing software company serving over 4,500 performing arts organizations across the United States. What began as a freshman-year idea to simplify ticketing for schools has evolved into a powerful operating platform for theaters, community centers, and performing arts venues nationwide.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Zachary opens up about building through the pandemic, setting boundaries with family, and why success starts with small, consistent habits. He also shares his philosophy on balance, creativity, and the simple power of getting started.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:How Ludus grew from a college project to 4,500+ clientsThe unexpected size of the performing arts SMB marketHow to set boundaries between business and familyWhy small, consistent health habits drive long-term successHow travel and curiosity can “slow down time”Why entrepreneurs must stop over-validating ideas and start building⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)0:37 – Meet Zachary Collins: Co-Founder & CEO of Ludus1:16 – How a high school theater director sparked a business idea3:10 – Turning a class project into a real company4:30 – Navigating the pandemic and rebuilding the team5:45 – Growing to 4,500+ clients across the U.S.6:50 – Family as motivation — and learning to set boundaries8:00 – Health: consistency, training, and mental balance9:20 – Finding joy in travel, books, and new experiences11:40 – How to “slow down time” through novelty and learning13:05 – Lessons from early coding and entrepreneurship14:35 – Advice to founders: dream big, but start now15:20 – Where to find Zachary (LinkedIn + Twitter/X)👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life• YouTube:   @AFoundersLife  • LinkedIn • Instagram: @afounderslife• Spotify • Apple Podcast👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Bill CarmodyWebsite: billcarmody.comAskbill Website: https://askbill.us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billcarmody/What does success look like after you’ve built and sold three multimillion-dollar companies?For Bill Carmody, it’s about living abundantly, not just financially, but physically, mentally, and emotionally.In this powerful conversation, Bill shares his journey from humble beginnings and scarcity-driven hustle to achieving financial freedom and traveling the world for a year with his daughter. Along the way, he reveals how focusing on daily habits — meditation, exercise, diet, and sleep — can create an extraordinary life far beyond the business metrics.What you’ll learn in this conversation:How Bill built and exited three multimillion-dollar companiesThe mindset shift from scarcity to abundanceWhy daily habits create lasting successThe connection between sleep, health, and leadershipHow to be fully present in business and family lifeThe most important question every founder should ask: “What is enough?”👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)1:16 – Meet Bill Carmody: entrepreneur, author, and Ironman athlete2:10 – From humble beginnings to digital marketing pioneer3:15 – Building three multimillion-dollar companies4:58 – What financial freedom really means6:12 – Traveling the world with his daughter on a gap year8:02 – The importance of family and being fully present10:15 – Overcoming burnout and suicidal thoughts through transformation12:00 – Dropping 95 pounds and completing two Ironman races13:40 – The power of sleep, meditation, and mental fitness16:20 – Scarcity vs abundance: finding “enough”18:00 – What daily habits compound into an extraordinary life20:45 – Martial arts, flow, and lifelong learning23:50 – Advice for founders: micro-adjustments create major change25:30 – Where to find Bill (billcarmody.com + askbill.us)LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Jim Donnelly•Website: humanauthealth.com•LinkedIn: [Jim’s LinkedIn Profile]Jim Donnelly has spent the last 25 years building, scaling, and selling companies across travel, fitness, and wellness — but his newest venture, Humanaut Health, might be his most meaningful yet.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Jim shares how his father’s lessons on failure, his own near-death accident, and a career in scaling global businesses shaped his outlook on resilience, purpose, and family. With over $17 million raised and 100 locations planned, Humanaut Health is redefining health optimization for a new generation — and Jim’s story reminds us that optimism and perspective might be the greatest entrepreneurial tools of all.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:•How Jim turned his father’s bankruptcies into entrepreneurial drive•The journey from travel tech to Restore Hyper Wellness and Humanaut Health•What he learned from being hit by a drunk driver — and coming back stronger•Why he believes optimism is the key to resilience•How to balance ambition, family, and purpose•His top advice: “A lack of options provides clarity.”👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)0:37 – Meet Jim Donnelly: founder, CEO, father, and serial entrepreneur1:22 – Growing up in an entrepreneurial family with lessons on failure3:15 – From Coca-Cola to Citibank to his first startup exit5:12 – Building Restore Hyper Wellness and the journey to Humanaut Health7:00 – Losing his father, surviving a car crash, and finding his “why”8:10 – How optimism drives resilience and leadership9:30 – Family: being present, values, and fatherhood11:05 – Redefining balance across family, faith, and work13:16 – Why company culture starts with personal priorities16:30 – What health means: function, vitality, and longevity18:40 – Fun: family adventures, mountain biking, travel, and fishing20:45 – Pivotal moments and what the universe teaches you23:40 – Advice to founders: let scarcity drive clarity25:43 – Where to find Jim (humanauthealth.com + LinkedIn)👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Melanie Herschorn • Website: https://yourbigimpactbook.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-herschorn/ • Instagram: @bigimpactbooks• Book: Lasting Legal Impact - https://a.co/d/iaR1kCl• Book: Make a Big Impact with your Book - https://a.co/d/bawqiG1How do you turn failure, burnout, and a bad hire into a brand-new purpose? Melanie Herschorn’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and rediscovering her voice.Melanie is the Founder of Big Impact Books, a boutique publishing and marketing firm that helps professionals, attorneys, and entrepreneurs transform their expertise into bestselling books. From her early career in Hollywood PR to building her own clothing brand and later launching a publishing house, Melanie’s journey is proof that our most painful moments can lead to our most powerful work.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, she shares her journey from being belittled in business to empowering others to share their voices — and how family, health, and creativity keep her grounded.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:•How Melanie transitioned from PR and journalism to entrepreneurship•The story behind founding Big Impact Books•Why every expert should write and own their story•The importance of protecting your confidence as a founder•Finding balance through boundaries and presence•What singing, family, and spirituality taught her about life👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)1:21 – Meet Melanie Herschorn: publisher, author, and founder of Big Impact Books2:19 – From celebrity PR to journalism to entrepreneurship3:55 – Building a clothing brand and overcoming a toxic work experience5:15 – The birth of Big Impact Books: turning expertise into stories6:10 – Family life: lessons from motherhood and her grandmother’s legacy7:28 – Defining health as balance between mind and body8:18 – Fun: singing lessons, self-expression, and joy through creativity9:51 – Setting work-life parameters to protect balance and presence10:50 – Spiritual growth and discovering the “inner entrepreneur”12:47 – Advice to aspiring founders: trust your gut and share your story13:38 – Where to find Melanie (bigimpactbooks.com, LinkedIn, Instagram)👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Natalie Nathanson • Website: magnetudeconsulting.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalienathanson/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/magnetude-consulting/ • Podcast - Shift and Thrive: https://shiftandthrivepodcast.com/What does balance really look like when you’re a founder, parent, and leader in a fast-changing world? For Natalie Nathanson, it’s not about perfection — it’s about intention.Natalie is the Founder & CEO of Magnetude Consulting, a B2B marketing firm helping startups and SMBs scale strategically. She’s also the host of the “Shift and Thrive” podcast, where she interviews leaders on transformation, innovation, and personal growth.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Natalie shares how she built her business after a decade in corporate marketing, her approach to leadership and family, and the mindset that helps her stay grounded through chaos.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation: • How Natalie transitioned from Forrester Research to founding Magnetude Consulting • The challenges and rewards of building a marketing firm from scratch • How she defines balance as a founder, parent, and athlete • Why running, gardening, and creative hobbies fuel her leadership • The lessons she’s learned from her children and team • Her advice for new entrepreneurs: “You only get to be new once.”👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)0:37 – Meet Natalie Nathanson: from Forrester to founder of Magnetude Consulting1:44 – Starting her firm and redefining what marketing looks like for startups3:20 – How B2B marketing has evolved in the age of AI4:25 – Family life: raising two kids and learning from parenthood5:50 – Health: sleep, nutrition, running, and gardening as restoration7:40 – Fun: resin art, biking, and growing vegetables8:46 – Balance: intentional time for what matters most10:03 – Pivotal moment: navigating family illness during the pandemic11:19 – Advice to entrepreneurs: “You only get to be new once.”12:39 – Where to find Natalie (LinkedIn, Magnetude, Shift and Thrive)👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Jeanne Achille•Website: devonpr.com•Website: https://www.jeanneachille.com/•LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanneachille/•Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devongroup/What happens when corporate ceilings stop your growth—but frustration becomes your fuel? For Jeanne Achille, it led to founding The Devon Group, a technology PR and marketing firm that’s been helping global brands launch, scale, and evolve for over 30 years.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Jeanne shares her journey from corporate executive to founder, how she built a people-first company culture, and why balance and awareness are key to sustained success. She also opens up about family, mobility, health, and the lifelong process of checking in with yourself.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:How frustration led Jeanne to entrepreneurshipWhat it takes to build a company that lasts decadesWhy awareness and reflection matter for leadersThe importance of mobility, health, and self-care for longevityHow to balance work, family, and self-awarenessWhy no one succeeds alone — and how to build the right support system👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)1:16 – Meet Jeanne Achille: founder & CEO of The Devon Group2:11 – From recruiter to PR founder: frustration that fueled a 30-year business3:16 – How Devon Group helps clients with launches, rebrands & IPO milestones4:36 – Defining family: three daughters, extended relatives, and “fur babies”7:05 – Health & mobility: yoga, farm-to-table nutrition, and lessons from her nurse mother9:14 – Fun: Broadway, avant-garde theater, and global travel for jazz and art10:05 – Defining balance: awareness, reflection, and daily self-check-ins13:05 – Pivotal moment: starting a business on a Wednesday—and getting 3 clients by Thursday14:11 – Advice for entrepreneurs: don’t do it all yourself; hire key partners early16:06 – Where to find Jeanne (devonpr.com, LinkedIn, and socials)👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – CJ Stasik Website: shehandlesit.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cjstasik_shi/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cjstasik💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjstasik/What happens when success on paper feels like failure in real life? For CJ Stasik, it took burnout, breakdown, and courage to rebuild her life with purpose and alignment.CJ is the founder of She Handles It, an empowerment coaching brand that helps women break free from burnout, people-pleasing, and overwhelm — and reconnect with the version of themselves they truly want to be.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, she shares her raw story of leaving a 13-year corporate career, overcoming guilt and exhaustion, and redefining success through mindset, self-awareness, and intention.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:•How burnout led CJ to build She Handles It•Why mindset is the root cause behind most burnout•How to separate real vs. perceived obstacles•The truth about “balance” — and why integration works better•How family, nature, and daily rituals restored her peace•Why self-care isn’t selfish — it’s essential for leadership and life👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)0:37 – Meet CJ Stasik: founder of She Handles It1:30 – From corporate burnout to starting her own brand3:55 – The breaking point: grocery bags, tears, and a wake-up call5:14 – Family life: marriage, children, and finding her soulmate6:05 – What health means: body, mind, and soul in harmony7:45 – How nature became her emotional reset button9:02 – Fun: hiking, kayaking, and raising farm animals (the “four Gs”)10:44 – Redefining balance as integration, not perfection12:30 – Parenting, presence, and redefining what matters15:08 – The pivotal moment: leaving a 13-year career to pursue coaching18:38 – CJ’s advice: self-care isn’t selfish — it’s how you show up better19:49 – Where to find CJ (shehandlesit.com + socials)👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Haley Hunter•Website: partyland.co•LinkedIn: [Haley’s LinkedIn]•Instagram: [@partyland]How do you build a successful creative agency while raising two kids and finding joy in the chaos? For Haley Hunter, it all started with saying “yes” to opportunities — even when she didn’t feel ready.As the Co-Founder of Partyland, Haley leads an award-winning creative agency specializing in comedy, culture, and big ideas. In this episode of A Founder’s Life, she shares her unconventional path from intern to founder, the lessons she’s learned in leadership and balance, and why loving what you do is the ultimate entrepreneurial advantage.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:•How Haley built Partyland from the ground up•Why passion and purpose matter more than the perfect plan•The value of hiring people smarter than you•How to build a culture that thrives on creativity and comedy•Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship with presence and gratitude•Why trying new things fuels both creativity and well-being👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)0:37 – Meet Haley Hunter: from Colorado to co-founding Partyland1:44 – Early career: internships, leaving and returning to advertising4:00 – Building experience across industries before launching her own agency5:30 – Why she loves working with smarter people and learning through chaos6:00 – Family life: raising two kids in Colorado while running an LA-based agency7:09 – Health: balance through fun, movement, and gratitude9:12 – Work-life balance: being the mom at volleyball practice with her laptop11:31 – Pivotal moments: moving states, getting married, founding her company13:03 – Her advice to entrepreneurs: love what you do and know your purpose14:13 – Where to find Haley and Partyland👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Ted JenkinWebsite: https://www.tedjenkin.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theceoadvisor/Free Business Valuation: www.esladvisors.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealtedjenkinCompany's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exitstageleftadvisors/Ted Jenkin has built and sold three companies — including a $3 billion wealth management firm — and today helps founder-led and family-owned businesses maximize their value while minimizing stress.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Ted opens up about entrepreneurship, family, fasting, and how discipline drives freedom. He shares his journey from financial advisor to serial entrepreneur and CEO, now helping companies sell smarter through Exit Stage Left Advisors.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:How Ted built and sold three companies, including a $3B wealth management firmWhy family and business can thrive togetherThe value of structure and presence in long-term successHow fasting and functional fitness fuel his performanceWhat true work-life balance looks like (and why it’s a “juggle”)His biggest life lesson: turning tragedy into resilience👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)1:30 – Meet Ted Jenkin: serial entrepreneur & CEO of Exit Stage Left Advisors1:50 – Building and selling three companies, including a $3B wealth management firm2:49 – Helping founder-led businesses maximize value and minimize stress3:55 – Family life: 31 years married, three kids working across his companies6:17 – Finding presence through family, routines, and intentional structure7:40 – Health transformation: fasting, red light therapy, and holistic wellness9:57 – ProLon fasting routine and quarterly reset strategy12:39 – What fun and reading look like for Ted (nonfiction, travel, pickleball)13:28 – Redefining balance: being present vs. splitting time15:01 – Pivotal moment: father’s suicide & learning to “figure it out”16:16 – Advice to founders: drown out the doubters and do the work17:15 – Where to find Ted (tedjenkin.com + LinkedIn)👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Joan GarryWebsite: joangarry.comPodcast: https://joangarry.com/nonprofits-are-messy-podcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joangarry/From MTV to the fight for marriage equality, Joan Garry has spent her life building communities and organizations that make the world more fair, just, and beautiful.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Joan shares her journey from the early days of MTV to leading GLAAD, founding the Nonprofit Leadership Lab, and coaching thousands of nonprofit leaders around the world. She opens up about family, health, longevity, and what it means to live with clarity, conviction, and joy.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:How Joan transitioned from entertainment to advocacy and leadershipWhy clarity of vision is the foundation of any lasting organizationThe parallels between startups and nonprofitsHow she redefined family and became the first legal same-sex adoptive parent in New JerseyThe importance of longevity, structure, and keeping your mind activeWhy diverse teams and honest voices make founders stronger👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)1:08 – Meet Joan Garry: from MTV to nonprofit leadership2:12 – How entrepreneurship and activism intertwine3:52 – Defining family and the journey to parenthood5:37 – Health, longevity, and finding balance through structure9:03 – Piano, pickleball, and finding joy outside of work10:20 – Pivotal moments: meeting her wife, advocacy, and legal adoption milestone12:47 – Advice to entrepreneurs: clarity of vision + diverse voices14:17 – Where to find Joan (joangarry.com + podcast + blog)👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1