Behind the Founders

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 35: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/)  talks to Charles Cormier (https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlescormierfounder/) about inding product-market fit, the importance of sales and choosing the right ICP, using podcasts to generate qualified leads, building companies around AI, and his unconventional approach to recruiting partners through client relationships.---Charles Cormier is a serial entrepreneur, ultra athlete, 3x Ironman finisher and founder building multiple ventures around lead generation, podcasts, and AI, after launching more than 100 companies and experiments over the past decade.---Chapters00:00 Entrepreneurial Journey and Product Market Fit05:18 Traits of Successful Founders07:34 Sales and Cold Calling10:42 Lessons from Business Failures16:54 Balancing Multiple Ventures31:06 AI in Business Operations36:10 Future Growth and Advice

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 34: Ben Deckey (https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-deckey/) talks to Ravid Razak (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravidrazak/) about the impact of AI on the industry, the pivot in the business model, valuable insights into the operational structure, outsourcing, and work-life balance as a founder.---Ravid Razak is the founder and CEO of DreamItReel, a video production company that has grown over 11 years from affordable consumer videos into work for major brands. He’s a former management consultant turned creative operator who now focuses on staying ahead of AI while keeping the business lean, high-touch, and human-centered.---Chapters00:00 Introduction to DreamItReel01:08 Transition from Consulting to Videography03:05 Pivoting the Business Model05:35 Impact of AI on the Industry16:24 Operational Structure and Outsourcing21:11 Challenges and Focus Areas23:29 Remote Team and Work-Life Balance-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 33: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/)  talks to Chris Gulotta (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-gulotta/) about the misconceptions, challenges of AI and the importance of balancing efficiency and the human element.---Chris Gulotta is the founder of NxtLayr.AI, a business helping companies understand, build, and implement AI-based systems to improve their workflows, productivity, and operations.---Chapters00:00 Introduction and Business Journey02:38 Motivation to Start Next Layer AI05:22 Consultation Services and Three-Pillared Approach13:22 Misconceptions and Challenges of AI22:16 AI Receptionists and Customer Care Specialists27:28 Advice for Business Founders-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 32: Ryan Bulpitt (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-bulpitt-8721a4206/ ) talks to Marlen Madrigal (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlen-madrigal-hc/ )about the importance of passion, resilience, and the human side of hiring as a staffing agency founder. ---Marlen Madrigal was a former executive assistant with more than 12 years of experience supporting different business founders across different industries. She then transitioned and founded her own company, HireCentral, a staffing agency helping other businesses scale through remote staffing. ---Chapters00:00 From EA to Recruitment03:02 The Role of an Executive Assistant14:31 The Transition to Entrepreneurship32:23 Expanding into Latin America-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 31: Ryan Bulpitt (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-bulpitt-8721a4206/ ) talks to Lysander Cuevas Jr. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lysander-cuevas-jr/ )about leveraging AI, SEO, and human connection in growing his consulting firm and helping clients adapt to rapid technological change.---Lysander Cuevas Jr. reveals how he transitioned from military service to becoming a sought-after consultant in the tech space. Discover the innovative strategies behind his digital consulting firm, Bot Fanatics, and how he’s transforming client relationships through transparency and trust.---Chapters00:00 Introduction and Lysander's background10:04 Learning and leveraging AI tools for business growth15:55 Explaining complex tech to clients in simple terms25:06 Networking, human connection, and word-of-mouth growth37:00 Advice for tech-focused entrepreneurs-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 30: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/)  talks to Lisa Spark (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-spark-57300828/ ) about how unexpected life events propelled her into entrepreneurship and the lessons learned from her global travels.---After her mother fell ill, Lisa helped run a family business, which ultimately led to the founding of QPC Group in 2008. What started as a remanufacturing company for printer cartridges quickly transformed into a full-fledged office technology provider.---Chapters00:00 Introduction to Lisa Spark and QPC Group04:17 The Impact of Travel and Cultural Understanding07:28 Evolution of QPC Group and Service Expansion18:10 Operational Challenges and Business Scalability31:11 Hiring Remote and Offshore Staff45:00 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 29: Ryan Bulpitt (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-bulpitt-8721a4206/) talks to Willa Kammerer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/willakammerer/) about building a business around identity, personal branding, delegation, AI, and taking action before you have everything figured out.---Willa Kammerer is a 17+ year entrepreneur and founder of Firestarter, a company that helps individuals and businesses build personal brands through branding, digital foundations, technology, and implementation.---Chapters00:00 Introduction to Willa Kammerer and Firestarter06:28 Understanding Personal Branding Beyond Logos11:29 Experimenting with AI in Business16:43 Growing the Team and Remote Support26:28 Pushing the Tech Foundation Forward-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 28: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/)  talks to Ashley Janelle (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyjanelle/) about her journey of identifying gaps in traditional UX training, leading her to develop a program that offers hands-on mentorship and personalized coaching.---Ashley Janelle is an award-winning UX designer and founder of Empathive, a 16-week UX boot camp designed to help students transition into UX through hands-on learning and one-on-one mentorship. ---Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ashley Janelle and Empathive02:24 What is UX and why is it important?07:02 Adapting the curriculum for market changes and AI integration12:44 The importance of being a generalist in UX roles18:58 Working with offshore VAs and remote staffing experiences28:41 The importance of responsible content creation and community building29:10 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: start small and deliver value-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 27: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/ ) talks to Austin Rohleder (https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-rohleder-ba6232213/) about building a founder-first marketing agency, leveraging AI and data, and the realities of growing a business from the ground up.---Austin Rohleder is the founder of Capstone Marketing Group, a fractional CMO agency helping businesses manage their marketing from strategy through execution, with a strong focus on measurable business results.---Chapters:00:00 From Marketing Director to Founder06:51 Building a Remote Team08:53 The Hiring Lesson That Changed Everything12:45 AI as a Business Superpower19:51 Getting Your First 5–10 Clients23:18 The Reality of Entrepreneurship-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 26: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/)  talks to Saadi Sabah (https://www.linkedin.com/in/saadi-sabah/) about taking the leap from corporate employment, learning to delegate, building a team and sustainable client relationships, and using AI and automation to scale more efficiently.---Saadi Sabah is the founder of ECA Financial Consultancy, a firm that began as a side hustle serving friends and family and grew into a business serving more than 900 clients each tax season.---Chapters00:00 Introduction and guest background05:00 Strategies for client acquisition and word-of-mouth09:00 Building a team and operational setup10:17 Overcoming delegation fears and building trust22:02 Thoughts on AI and automation25:56 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 25: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/)  talks to Erik Gross https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikdgross/details/experience/ about the importance of fundamentals in tech education, the impact of AI, and the value of building a diverse student body.---Erik Gross is the co-founder of The Tech Academy, a software developer boot camp that has helped thousands of people break into tech, and the author of The Uncommon Engineer: The Art of Being Wrong for Fun and Profit. Carmen Dörwald sits down with Erik Gross about building a successful business by recognizing where you need help, finding the right people to complement your strengths, adapting to change, and developing the self-belief and resilience needed to navigate the founder’s journey.Connect with Eric and learn how he built A high value career in tech: https://erikdgross.com/free-course---Chapters00:00 The Mindset Every Founder Needs01:03 The Unexpected Origin of The Tech Academy04:21 Why Fundamentals Matter in the Age of AI19:32 Knowing What You Can’t Do Alone27:41 Building a Team That Can Actually Succeed-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 24: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/)  talks to Nicky Fairclough (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicky-fairclough-92a6262b6/) about scaling too quickly, learning from costly mistakes, using AI to build leaner businesses, knowing when to pivot, and designing a business around the life you actually want.---Nicky Fairclough is an entrepreneur, owner of Cold Hut Recovery, and founder of AI consultancy Reduce Admin, where he uses his engineering and automation background to help businesses reduce administrative work with AI. ---Chapters00:00  From Unilever Engineer to Entrepreneur03:42  Launch Day Chaos: When Everything Goes Wrong07:31 The Cost of Scaling Too Fast12:10  Turning Business Mistakes into an AI Opportunity20:10  Why Founders Should Grow Slower-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 23: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/)  talks to Marcel Löwigt (https://www.linkedin.com/in/10xmarcel/) about how to harness technology to scale your business effectively without the burden of high agency retainers. ---Marcel Löwigt is a serial entrepreneur with more than 18 years of experience in business, sales, and scaling companies, and is the founder of GrowthZilla OS, an AI-powered marketing platform designed to help SMEs grow more efficiently.---Chapters00:00 Introduction and guest introduction09:16 Marcel's personal journey from homelessness to success15:52 Challenges faced by small businesses in sales and marketing21:57 The impact of AI in business and common mistakes26:00 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 22: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/)  talks to Natasha Bhogal (https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-bhogal-47026ab8/) about the importance of building long-term client relationships, learning to lean into resistance, and why founders don't always need to follow the conventional definition of success. ---Natasha Bhogal is a Los Angeles-based senior marketing leader and fractional CMO who founded In Current Creative in 2017, a full-funnel marketing consultancy that works with a select number of clients through a flexible network of specialized consultants.---Chapters00:00 From Marketing Leader to Unexpected Founder01:51 What Makes InCurrent Creative Different?10:12 Consultancy vs. Agency: Building a Business Your Way25:58 Why You Don't Need to Scale to Succeed27:01 Leaning Into Resistance & Trusting Your Gut-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 21: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/)  talks to Chuck Thokey (https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesthokey/) about building high-performing sales teams, developing talent, and transforming sales through ethical coaching and AI-powered simulations.---Chuck Thokey is the Co-Founder of Top Rep, a leading home services sales and leadership training company, as well as an award-winning sales and marketing coach, keynote speaker, business consultant, and author. With more than two decades of experience in sales, coaching, and leadership, Chuck has helped organizations build high-performing sales teams, improve closing ratios, and grow their sales by more than 150%.---Chapters00:00 – Meet Chuck Thokey & Top Rep01:04 – Building a High-Performing Sales Team09:28 – Hiring, Coaching & Developing Top Talent20:56 – How AI Is Transforming Sales Training32:28 – Chuck’s Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs.-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 20: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/)  talks to Christopher Haywood about innovative approaches  to executive search and evolving practices over 15 years.---Christopher Haywood is the founder of Strategic Executives Agency, specializing in executive search and leadership consulting for dynamic organizations. With a management consulting background, he redefines how firms find and engage top leadership talent.---Chapters00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup02:11 Founding of Strategic Executives Agency12:11 Evolution of the Business and Services Offered24:21 Incorporating AI in Business Operations29:57 Team Culture and Operational Challenges30:31 Business Advice for Entrepreneurs-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 19: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/)  talks to Stephanie Reese (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-reese-hr/) about the role of  AI, talent, leadership and capacity challenges in mission-driven organizations.---Stephanie Reese is the founder of Higher and Thread, where she helps mission-driven organizations build stronger hiring, systems, and organizational structures. She has over 12 years of experience in nonprofit and HR/operations leadership, with a focus on capacity, change management, and helping teams work more effectively.---Chapters00:00 Introduction and business overview07:10 Challenges in Organizations12:50 AI Integration and Concerns23:01: Business Takeaways and Advice-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 18: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/)  talks to Lisa Colantuono (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-colantuono-ask/) about her 25-year journey in agency search consulting, the importance of trust, relationship-building, and authentic care in business success. ---Lisa Colantuono is the founder of Agency Search Kaizen and an agency search consultant with 25 years of experience helping brands find the right agency partners. She’s known for her relationship-first approach, emphasizing trust, integrity, and doing what’s best for clients and people.---Chapters00:00 Introduction and guest introduction07:31 The importance of trust and rapport in agency relationships12:59 The purpose of business and serving others17:25 Stories of successful and challenging agency partnerships30:00 Lessons from pitch theater and building trust40:19 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 17: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/)  talks to Kavian Spells (https://www.linkedin.com/in/k-spells/) about his journey from engineering to digital entrepreneurship, transition to Colombia, the importance of strategy, branding, and leveraging AI in building a successful online business.---Kavian Spells, originally from Atlanta, Georgia, has spent the last decade in engineering and financial technology. His journey into entrepreneurship started with a desire for personal growth and new challenges. Moving to Colombia six months ago, Kavian decided to channel his skills and experiences into creating Kaveman Digital, a website building agency helping small enterprises thrive online.---Chapters00:00 Introduction and Kavian's background08:40 Kaveman Digital and its Mission10:05 The importance of strategy and branding in web design12:46 Client experience and target markets21:18 Business growth plans and team building24:44 Thoughts on AI and its impact on business-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 16: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/)  talks to Jan Barlow (https://www.linkedin.com/in/janbarlow/) about  how her holistic approach helps marginalized groups, including veterans, foster care alumni, and formerly incarcerated individuals, find meaningful employment and purpose.---Jan Barlow founded Better JobFit with a mission that stemmed from her own tumultuous career journey. After rising to success in the pharmaceutical industry, Jan faced an unexpected job restructure that led to personal and professional turmoil. She lost her home, her health, and her marriage, prompting her to reevaluate her path and ultimately inspire her to create Better JobFit. ---Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview00:33 Jan’s Origin Story and the Creation of Better Job Fit06:07 Matching People by Strengths, Not Background10:14 Custom Job Matching and Employer Trust27:52 Advice for Entrepreneurs and Taking the Risk-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 15: Ben Deckey (https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-deckey/) talks to Ayad Mirjan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayadmirjan/) about  his journey of building Orange Bag Laundry from a residential service to a nationwide B2B logistics and laundry company. They discuss insights on automation, hiring, scaling, and maintaining quality in a competitive industry.---Ayad Mirjan is the owner of Orange Bag Laundry, which he founded in 2019, although his journey in the laundry industry began in 2017. Initially starting as a residential laundry service, Ayad’s business has pivoted to focus predominantly on commercial laundry services, catering to hotels, spas, and gyms across the United States.---Chapters00:00 Introduction and guest background05:24 Investing in automation and scaling operations07:42 Hiring and team management strategies13:54 Automation and AI in laundry processing17:33 Growth plans and national expansion22:14 Work-life balance and personal insights-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 14: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/)  talks to Cornel Armariei (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cornelamariei/) about  revolutionizing mobility for the visually impaired through advanced AI and robotics. ---Cornell's journey to founding .Lumen began in a family where everyone except him lived with a disability. Growing up, he developed a deep understanding of the daily mobility challenges faced by people who are blind, inspiring him to build a more accessible alternative to guide dogs. Today, .Lumen has developed AI-powered smart glasses that use self-driving technology and haptic feedback to help users safely navigate their surroundings.---Chapters00:00 Introduction and Business Overview05:31 Personal Journey and Family Inspiration08:00 Innovative Solutions for the Visually Impaired10:36Team Structure and Collaboration13:21 Challenges and Resilience in Entrepreneurship16:02 The Role of AI in Business21:13 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 13: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/)  talks to Sailesh Pattnaik (https://www.linkedin.com/in/saileshpattnaik/) about his  journey from personal tragedy to healthcare innovation with AI, the challenges of building AI solutions in healthcare, team setup, and future plans for global expansion.---After losing his brother to hospital negligence during COVID-19, Sailesh Pattnaik founded RxGPT, an AI platform helping hospitals reduce operational failures and save lives. Today, he leads the company's vision to transform healthcare with AI while advising startups on growth, go-to-market strategy, and digital transformation. With more than 20 years of experience and over 300 startups consulted, he's helping shape the future of AI-powered healthcare.---Chapters00:00 Introduction and Business Overview05:30 How RxGPT Helps Hospitals Reduce Operational Inefficiencies09:00 Using AI to Solve Healthcare Operations Challenges15:18 Biggest operational challenges25:52 Building RxGPT to Save Lives31:35 Founder Insights: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 12: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/)  talks to Dellyn Lee (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dellyn-lee/) about his journey from in-house recruiting to building his own brand, Dylan Digital, blending gaming and career coaching,  innovative strategies for job hunting, the role of AI, and how to balance multiple ventures effectively.---Dellyn Lee is a recruiter with 10+ years of experience who blends career coaching with gaming-inspired content to make job hunting more engaging and practical. He runs a solo coaching business focused on resumes, LinkedIn optimization, interview prep, and job search strategy, while also creating YouTube content, live streams, and digital products. Beyond that, he volunteers in recruiting and gaming-related spaces, and works full-time in recruiting, giving him a broad, hands-on view of the job market. His overall mission is to help job seekers level up their careers in a tough market by making the process more accessible, educational, and human.---Chapters00:00 Dylan Digital: Merging Gaming with Job Hunting06:58 Navigating the Job Market Challenges09:47 The Role of AI in Recruitment18:17 Future of Job Hunting and Networking32:41 Job Search Strategies and Motivation36:34 Taking the Leap: Starting Your Own Business-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 11: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/) talks to Liz Rivas (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rivaselizabeth/) about building meaningful connections in a digital world, overcoming loneliness through community, and turning a personal challenge into a global platform for women travelers.---Liz Rivas is the Founder and CEO of RoamCircle, a women-first community and friendship app designed to help solo female travelers, digital nomads, expats, and remote workers find authentic friendships and safe communities around the world. Inspired by her own experiences traveling alone across 13 countries, Liz created RoamCircle to help women connect, belong, and build lasting relationships wherever life takes them. Before launching RoamCircle, she spent over a decade leading enterprise marketing initiatives for global technology companies and is passionate about empowering women through travel, friendship, and community.---Chapters00:00 Introduction to RoamCircle and Its Purpose09:37 How RoamCircle Works and Its Features15:06 AI's Impact on Human Connection and Community16:31 The Power of Vulnerability in Content Creation25:07 Building a Supportive Team29:21 Future Goals for RoamCircle-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 10: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/)  talks to Brendan Lebitsch (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanlebitsch/) about his entrepreneurial journey, insights into manufacturing and sourcing in China, and how AI tools are transforming his business operations.---Brendan Lebitsch founded High Life Tech at just 18 years old, starting with custom phone cases that allowed customers to print their designs. Over time, the company evolved, expanding its product range to include keychains, lanyards, and more.---Chapters00:00 Introduction to Brendan Lebitsch and His Ventures07:57 Operational Challenges in Merchandise Development09:49 Leveraging Technology and AI for Efficiency18:21 The Role of AI in Business and Creativity21:36 Rebranding to Off Menu: The New Direction24:06 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 9: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/)  talks to Tyler Raciti (https://www.linkedin.com/in/traciti/ about his unconventional journey from public policy and nonprofit advocacy to the frontier of artificial intelligence. Tyler shares how his passion for solving large-scale societal challenges led him through politics, consulting, emerging technology strategy, and ultimately entrepreneurship. ---Tyler Raciti is the founder and CEO of Volumes, a New York-based, venture-backed startup focused on helping world models work with 3D and 4D spatial data. Prior to founding Volumes, he worked as a Physical AI Strategist at Monitor Deloitte, advising organizations across robotics, autonomous systems, aerospace, smart cities, and emerging technologies. Tyler is also the founder of PRO-NEO, a nonprofit organization that successfully helped shape New York State opioid overdose prevention policy impacting millions of students. His career spans public service, consulting, nonprofit leadership, and entrepreneurship, all driven by a passion for tackling complex problems with meaningful real-world impact.---Chapters00:00 Introduction and Business Overview06:19 Revolutionizing AI with Physical Data12:09 Building a Team and Overcoming Challenges)38:03 Personal Journey and Final Thoughts-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 8: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/) talks to Terri Trovato (https://www.linkedin.com/in/terri-trovato-387bba74/) about  expert insights on digital marketing strategies and the role of AI in enhancing creativity.---Terry Trovato has over thirteen years of experience in digital marketing, navigating through the evolving landscape from organic social media to paid media and now integrating AI technologies into her strategies. She is the founder of the Darcy Agency, which specializes in creating tailored marketing solutions for various brands, particularly in the fashion industry. Her journey began when she moved to Spain and found herself navigating through the complexities of working remotely while establishing her brand. The transition from freelancing to founding the Darcy Agency was a natural progression.---Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Business Overview 02:04 - Founding the Darcy Agency 06:08 - Inspiration Behind the Name Darcy 11:52 - AI in Marketing and Tools Used 16:11 - Challenges in Freelancing and Starting a Business25:52 - Advice for New Entrepreneurs-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 7: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/) talks to Quy Tran (https://www.linkedin.com/in/quy-trong-tran/) about the importance of resilience and adaptability in navigating and recognizing career changes, industry challenges and new opportunities during crises.---Quy Tran is the founder of Sound Life Science Services, a consulting firm dedicated to supporting the life sciences industry. With a background in biophysics from UCLA and extensive experience in various roles within the industry, Quy has a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in life sciences. His journey from academia to business ownership is a testament to resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.---Chapters00:00 Quy's Background and Career Journey10:24 The Founding of Sound Life Science Services18:18 Networking and Community Involvement21:00 Balancing Work and Family26:58 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 6: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/) talks to Rickard Jean-Noel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickard-jean-noel-346416a7/) about strategies for growth, overcoming challenges, and leveraging social media and AI to build his multifaceted career in his non-profit.Rickard Jean-Noel is the executive director and founder of Real Word Ministries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals living under the poverty line by providing essential services like food, clothing, and shelter. Originally from Haiti, Rickard's journey from political refugee to community leader is marked by his commitment to faith, perseverance, and creating a lasting legacy through his multifaceted work in ministry, psychotherapy, and real estate.---Chapters00:00 Moving to America from Haiti00:10 Early Challenges and Opportunities00:21 Founding Real Word Ministries00:30 First Sermon: The Reincarnation of Ricard G. Noel00:40 Journey to Community Leaders-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 5: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/) talks to Chad Vavra (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadvavra/) about using AI to accelerate entrepreneurship, validate business ideas, and help small teams achieve more without increasing headcount.---Chad Vavra, founder of ChatAgency.ai, shares his journey from leading UX at Cisco to creating a platform that accelerates entrepreneurial processes using AI. With over 20 years of experience working with global brands, Chad discusses the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into business strategies. Chapters00:00 - Introduction and episode overview02:00 - Chad Bavra's professional journey 06:00 - Differentiating ChatAgency.ai from general AI tools12:00 - Use cases: building business reports, competitor analysis, and market research28:00 - Key takeaways and wrap-up-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 4: Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/) talks to Kimberly Celic (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-celic-5342a07/) about the importance of leadership, culture, and hiring the right people for company growth and success.---Kim Celic is the Founder and CEO of Transformative People Solutions. With extensive experience in people operations and organizational growth, she is passionate about helping teams thrive through people-first leadership, culture, and employee experience. She is currently writing a book focused on building more fulfilling and human-centered workplaces.---Chapters00:00 Introduction and Company Background05:46 Supporting Companies in Growth and Transformation12:00 The Importance of Hiring the Right People17:56 The Fourth Relationship and Employee Experience23:40 Background in HR and Entrepreneurship31:12 The Role of AI in Business36:26 Alignment and Communication within the Team-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.com // Work with South African talent: https://hirenile.com---Episode 3: DhungJoo Kim (https://linkedin.com/in/dhungjookim) talks to Leonard Jackson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonard-jackson-mba-68b7b810/) about how to transform your life through taking action.---Leonard Jackson has starred in over 200 commercials while being a full time parent and building a company, Norfleet Transportation, that now does $60M+/year in revenue.---Chapters00:00 Introduction and Business Overview06:19 Revolutionizing the Factoring Process with AI and Digitization12:09 Implementing Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)38:03 Contacting Leonard and Final Thoughts-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

Hire amazing offshore staff: https://cherryassistant.comWork with South African talent: https://hirenile.comEpisode 2: Aleksandar Hadzhiyski (https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksandar-hadzhiyski/) talks to Carmen Dörwald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmendoerwald/) about his inspiring journey from professional basketball to founding Titan Agency, a thriving marketing firm. Discover how Aleksandar leverages AI and team empowerment to drive success.---Aleksandar Hadzhiyski transitioned from a career in basketball to building Titan Agency, a company that excels in digital marketing and innovation. Join us as he shares insights on overcoming challenges, the power of AI, and the importance of a strong team culture.---Chapters00:00 Starting Titan Agency05:28 Building and Managing the Team13:22 AI Tools and Automation23:54 Remote Work and Hiring Strategy30:14 Advice for Entrepreneurs-- Behind the Founder is a Cherry Assistant Original Podcast // Brought to you by Cherry Assistant.

To hire incredible offshore talent, go to https://cherryassistant.com. ----------------------------------------What does it actually take to scale a modern financial services company?In this episode of Behind the Founder, we sit down with Andrew Baker, founder of Financial Haus, to break down exactly how he built and scaled his business from the ground up.Andrew shares the real story, not just the wins, but the decisions, challenges, and systems that helped Financial Haus grow. From early client acquisition to building a scalable operation, this is a tactical look inside how founders actually execute.If you’re a founder, operator, or someone trying to build something real, this episode will give you a clear lens into what it takes.In this episode, we cover:• How Andrew got Financial Haus off the ground• The key inflection points that drove growth• Mistakes and lessons learned along the way• Systems and processes behind scaling• Advice for founders trying to break throughSubscribe for more founder breakdowns and real conversations with people building serious businesses.