Business Speaks Podcast

In this episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, Cooper Stacey and Kam Sanghai sit down with Travis Lay — former Bullis School alum, American University basketball captain, professional athlete, CPA, and mentor — to explore the transition from sports to business and the mindset required to succeed in both worlds.Travis reflects on helping lead American University to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2008 while balancing the demands of Division I athletics and graduating Magna Cum Laude from AU’s Kogod School of Business. He shares what leadership looked like as team captain, the lessons learned from competing at a high level, and how discipline developed through basketball later became essential in finance and accounting.The conversation also dives into Travis’s experience playing professional basketball overseas in England and Australia, the challenges of transitioning out of sports, and rebuilding identity after athletics. From earning his CPA to working in consulting and financial systems implementation, Travis explains how communication, leadership, and consistency matter just as much in business as they do on the court.Beyond career success, the episode explores mentorship, service, and giving back through programs like Year Up. Travis shares advice for young people trying to balance academics, athletics, and long-term goals, while offering insight into leadership, preparation, and building success that lasts beyond any single chapter of life.

In this episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, Cooper Stacey and Joey Echiendia sit down with Jonas Hosmer — former WME brand partnerships executive and Netflix business strategist — to unpack how the entertainment industry actually works behind closed doors.Jonas shares his journey from brokering major brand and celebrity partnerships at one of Hollywood’s most powerful talent agencies to spending four and a half years inside Netflix during one of the most transformative periods in streaming history. The conversation dives into how billion-dollar entertainment deals are structured, who really holds power in Hollywood negotiations, and how streaming platforms are reshaping the relationship between content, advertising, and culture.The episode also explores Netflix’s internal culture, the rise of ad-supported streaming, the economics of influencer marketing, and why live sports may become the next battleground in entertainment. Along the way, Jonas breaks down what makes brand partnerships feel authentic, where media budgets are actually flowing today, and how AI could completely disrupt the future of entertainment and advertising.From talent agencies to streaming giants, this episode is a deep look into the business side of Hollywood — and where the industry is headed next.

In this episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, Kam Sanghai and Cooper Stacey sit down with Robert Stocker — attorney, entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and Bullis Class of ’61 — to unpack a life built on constant reinvention. Robert shares his journey from clerking for a federal chief judge and building his own solo law practice to running marathons, and completing triathlons well into his later decades.The conversation explores discipline, goal setting, aging, and the mindset behind refusing to slow down. Robert opens up about the realities of practicing law today, the psychology of competition, and the moment he realized the limits people place on themselves are often just stories they’ve accepted for too long. From the courtroom to the racetrack, this episode is about pushing past expectations, staying curious, and never “letting the old man in.”

In this episode of Business Speaks, we sit down with Fred Costa, Founder and CEO of MetaPhase Consulting, to break down his journey from consultant to building a thriving company. Fred shares how he made the leap into entrepreneurship, the challenges of scaling a business, and the lessons he’s learned leading a team and navigating growth. If you’re interested in consulting, startups, or what it really takes to build something from the ground up, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

In this episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, Kamran Sanghani and Cooper Stacey sit down with Libby Mendiratta, Executive Vice President and Co-Owner of Frisco Woodline, to explore leadership inside a legacy construction materials business. Libby shares her path from IT into a family-run company, lessons from building new divisions, and her work advancing women in construction through NAWIC. The conversation covers trades as a career path, certification strategy, culture, and what it takes to grow and lead in an often overlooked but essential industry.

In this episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, Kamran Sanghani and Cooper Stacey sit down with Kevin Rowe and Steven Bender, co-founders of Still Creek Insurance, to unpack the business behind one of the most overlooked yet essential industries. From home and auto insurance to residual revenue and long-term stability, Kevin and Steven share how they built, sold, and rebuilt insurance businesses while competing in the same market for years. They dive into early struggles, trust, acquisitions, private equity exits, and why insurance remains one of the most durable and recession-resistant business models out there. Along the way, they break down real-life risk, lessons for young people and first-time drivers, and timeless principles around trust, consistency, and long-term thinking. This episode challenges common misconceptions about insurance and shows why boring businesses can be some of the smartest ones to build.

In this episode, Cooper and Joey talk with young entrepreneurs Jack Cleveland and Brody Paul, co-founders of a fast-growing window-cleaning and power-washing business they launched in high school. Jack and Brody break down how they got started, early mistakes, skeptical customers, and what it’s like balancing school with running a legit business. They also share their future plans and advice for other teens who want to build something of their own.

In this episode, Hosts Kamran Sanghani, Joey Echeandia, and Cooper Stacey talk with entrepreneur Rahul Pandhi about how he got started, built his company, and eventually sold it. Rahul keeps it real, from the messy early days and first clients to the tough decisions that shaped his team and culture. He opens up about leadership, failure, resilience, and what it’s like to sell something you poured your whole life into.Topics include:• Rahul’s early inspiration and first steps into entrepreneurship• Mistakes, failures, and what they taught him• Growing a company without losing your values• The emotional side of selling a business• Leadership, purpose, and what comes next

In the Season 2 premiere of The Business Speaks Podcast, hosts Kam Sanghani and Cooper Stacey sit down with Dan Simons, co-founder of Founding Farmers and Farmers Restaurant Group — a mission-driven business with over eight restaurants, 1,600 employees, and $100M+ in annual sales.Dan shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his first failed restaurant and living in his mother-in-law’s basement, to building one of the most respected restaurant groups in the country. He opens up about the power of knowing your “why,” the role of family support, leading through COVID pivots, and how purpose fuels long-term success.📌 Follow us on Instagram @bizspeakspod for behind-the-scenes content and clips from the episode.

Roger Echeandia is the CEO and Founder of The Integration Company, leading a team of experts in designing, installing, maintaining, and operating complex integrated electronic security systems for both government and commercial sectors. In this episode, we dive into his humble beginnings as he moved from Peru to the US as a child, his service in the Army and how that has impacted him, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and advice for young entrepreneurs. This conversation gave us incredible insight from a true expert in his field and is one of our best episodes yet.

On this episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, we are joined by Bola Olusanya, the Vice President and Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of the Nature Conservancy. Mr. Olusanya, who has held many high level positions in endowment funds for various organizations and universities, shares his stories, experiences, and insights on building a diverse team, proper asset allocation, and the investment industry as a whole. Mr.Olusanya explains his own ideas on having your personal values align with the values of your organization and work life balance. Mr. Olusanya also speaks on industry specific concepts such as the ‘J-Curve’ in this not to be missed episode.

In this episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, we speak with entrepreneur and philanthropist Scott Cohen. As co-founder of Byte, he turned it into the top direct-to-consumer brand for oral care and invisible aligners. In 2021, Byte was acquired for over $1 billion, making it a rare “Unicorn” startup that reached a billion-dollar valuation in under three years without outside funding. Tune in as he shares his thoughts on the age-old debate of whether entrepreneurs are born or made, shares his strategies for building a successful brand, and shares his process for assembling a high-performing team. Packed with invaluable wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for innovators and entrepreneurs. 

To start the second season of the Business Speaks Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Bahram Nasehi, a visionary entrepreneur, business strategist, and doctor. As the CEO of Dulles Glass, a rapidly growing company with over 150 employees, and the owner of a thriving dental practice, Dr. Nasehi has mastered the art of building successful ventures across many industries. In this episode, Dr. Nasehi details his incredible journey—from launching a dental practice straight out of school to revitalizing distressed businesses and scaling them to new heights. Dr. Nasehi shares his boldest career moves, the lessons he’s learned, and invaluable insights for anyone aspiring to succeed in today’s complex business landscape. Packed with actionable advice and inspiration, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

In this exciting episode, we take a break from our usual business-focused discussions and dive into the dynamic world of TikTok, YouTube, and content creation. Our guest, Jovi Greene, boasts an impressive following of nearly 800,000 subscribers on YouTube and over 1.1 billion total views. Jovi shares his journey into content creation, offering valuable insights into the culture of content creators and practical advice for anyone looking to start their own journey in this field.From branding to building a loyal audience, Jovi's story is an inspiration to aspiring creators everywhere.We are also thrilled to announce that this episode marks our first venture into video and audio formats. Tune in and enjoy the show!FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/bizspeakspod/

On the seventh episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, we are joined by Mrs. Shelly Kapoor Collins, a trailblazer in women’s entrepreneurship and innovation. Mrs. Kapoor Collins is a distinguished venture capitalist, having launched the Shatter Fund in 2017 and joined Sway Ventures in 2021. She was also appointed to the National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) by the second Obama Administration and served as Vice-Chair of the Women in Public Service Project, initiated by Secretary Hillary Clinton at the State Department. In this episode, we explore the intricacies of raising funds for both private and government campaigns, the immense growth potential that promoting women in business can unlock, and the inner workings of a venture capital firm. Mrs. Kapoor Collins shares her invaluable experiences and insights, offering a unique perspective on fostering innovation and supporting women entrepreneurs. This episode is packed with rare and valuable insights that you won’t want to miss. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/bizspeakspod/%E2%81%A0

On the sixth episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, we are joined by Jim Schleckser, the CEO and Founder of the CEO Project. In this episode, Mr. Schleckser discusses the importance of perspective and explains why “Great CEOs Are Lazy.” He shares his insights on why different perspectives from multiple industries are crucial for effective leadership and organizational success. Mr. Schleckser emphasizes how great CEOs prioritize their tasks, leverage their time, and make strategic decisions by incorporating diverse viewpoints. For aspiring CEOs and business enthusiasts, this episode provides invaluable advice on focusing on what truly matters and avoiding the trap of constant busyness. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on leadership and learn how embracing diverse insights can drive your organization forward. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/bizspeakspod/%E2%81%A0

This is our intro to our podcast!

On the fifth episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, we are joined by Brett Bernstein, the CEO and Co-founder of XML Financial Group, a financial advisory firm based in Bethesda, Maryland. In this episode, Mr. Bernstein shares his earliest stories about entrepreneurship, his unique client-focused approach to ensuring each client’s satisfaction and growth, and insights into the financial advisory sector as a whole. Most notably for college-age listeners, he provides valuable knowledge about breaking into this industry. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizspeakspod/

On our fourth episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, we are joined by Bob Tyrer, Co-CEO and co-founder of the esteemed Cohen Group. The Cohen Group is a renowned consulting firm in the Washington DC area, known for its high-profile clients and incredible reputation. In this episode, Mr. Tyrer shares his journey of co-creating and leading this successful consulting firm, discusses what consulting firms look for when hiring new employees, and recounts his personal experiences in obtaining the desirable jobs and internships that led him to where he is today. He also shares his overall philosophy for seeking out opportunities and capitalizing on them. This episode is truly a special one. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizspeakspod/

On our third episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, we are joined by Medium Rare co-founder, 5-time world burger  Champion, and philanthropist Mark Bucher. Mr. Bucher’s business story is one of the most thought-provoking guest stories we have heard. having started in radio, then to commercial real estate, while simultaneously having a passion for food, Mark has worked to create the best of the best restaurants. In this episode, Mr. Bucher gives you his insights into real estate, $5 tacos, and business philosophies. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/bizspeakspod/

In our second episode, Eric Zhou, Evan Kim, and Noah Margolis are joined by Joe Ucuzoglu, the Global CEO of Deloitte, and his son, Adam. As one of the largest professional services networks in the world and a member of the "Big Four," Deloitte plays a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of global business. Mr. Ucuzoglu, who leads with a focus on excellence and innovation, brings a wealth of experience and insight into the growth, challenges, and innovations within the firm. Join us as we explore Deloitte's impact under Joe's leadership and the company's strategies for staying at the forefront of the industry. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/bizspeakspod/

Our very first episode of the Business Speaks Podcast features a prominent figure in the business world. Evan Kim, Eric Zhou, Noah Margolis, and guest Jocelyn Kelly are joined by special guest Talia Fox, founder and CEO of Kusi Global Inc., a company focused on providing consultancy services such as professional development and leadership training to some of the biggest firms, including Lockheed Martin, the NIH, and Harvard University. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/bizspeakspod/