Entrepreneurship 101

Bailey Kochis Empyre Tax Pros LLC CEO Bailey Kochis is the Founder and CEO of Empyre Tax Pros LLC, a trusted tax service firm dedicated to helping individuals and business owners navigate their finances with clarity and confidence. With a strong commitment to simplifying the tax process, Bailey built the company on the principles of accuracy, transparency, and client-first service. Driven by a passion for financial empowerment, Bailey specializes in delivering reliable, stress-free tax solutions that help clients maximize their refunds while staying fully compliant. Under Bailey’s leadership, Empyre Tax Pros has become known for its personalized approach—offering tailored tax strategies, expert guidance, and ongoing support beyond tax season. Bailey’s mission is simple: to remove the confusion from taxes and help clients keep more of what they earn. By combining industry knowledge with a relationship-focused approach, Bailey continues to create meaningful financial outcomes for individuals, entrepreneurs, and growing businesses alike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gregory Shepard The entrepreneurs; entrepreneur - 12 Exits, 4 PE Awards, Published Author Gregory Shepard is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and author with a track record of building and selling 12 businesses across BioTech, TransitTech, AdTech, and MarTech. Throughout his career, he has successfully led startups, turnarounds, cleanups, and roll-ups, demonstrating a deep expertise in business growth and transformation. He is the author of The Startup Lifecycle (Penguin Random House), a definitive guide to navigating a startup from idea to exit. Greg’s insights have been featured in leading publications such as Forbes, Fortune, Entrepreneur, The New York Observer, The DEAL, and Thrive Global. A four-time private equity award recipient for transactions ranging from $250M to $1B, Greg has been a guest on TV, radio, and top podcasts. As a TEDx speaker and keynote presenter, he has shared his expertise at leading universities and conferences worldwide, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steven Lu Exited startup founder now running one of the hottest AI Recruiting startups: Co-Found & CEO @ Pin.com - AI Recruiting & Sourcing Steven Lu has spent nearly a decade inside recruiting technology, on both the build side and the sell side. He's watched the same pattern repeat at every company he's touched: great recruiters get buried in low-value work, and the tools they pay for keep them there. He's now on his second act trying to fix it. He shows up to podcasts with specific patterns, hard numbers, and operator stories from inside the hiring funnel, not theory and not the usual AI hype cycle commentary. Background: - CEO and Co-Founder of Pin (pin.com), the highest-rated AI recruiting platform on G2 (4.8/5) - Previously Co-Founder and CEO of Interseller, the sourcing and outreach platform acquired by Greenhouse - Spent his post-exit years inside Greenhouse, watching how recruiting software actually gets adopted (and abandoned) at scale before leaving to start Pin - Raised a $3M seed led by Expa Ventures in December 2024 - Advisory bench includes Benjamin Mena (Elite Recruiter Podcast, 170K+ downloads), Brianna Rooney (Techees, acquired by Affirm), Rich Rosen (Forbes Top-50 Recruiters, 1,200+ placements), and Evan White (Purple Acorn Network) - Press: VentureBeat, Pulse2, and most of the major recruiting trade publications The numbers he can speak to (Pin's real customer data, not a deck): - 850M+ candidate profiles across professional networks, GitHub, Stack Overflow, patents, and academic publications - 14 days average time-to-fill - 12 hours a week saved per recruiter on sourcing and outreach combined - 5x better outreach response rates vs. industry averages - 83% candidate acceptance rate into customers' hiring pipelines - 90% reduction in manual sourcing time - 91% of users reduce or eliminate LinkedIn Recruiter spend after switching - 6x more diverse candidate pipelines Topics Steven can go deep on: Recruiting and talent acquisition - The post-LinkedIn-Recruiter stack: what TA teams are buying instead, and why 91% of Pin users walked away - Outbound vs inbound hiring, and why sourced candidates are 5x more likely to be hired than applicants - Why multi-source candidate data (GitHub, Stack Overflow, patents, publications) beats single-network sourcing for technical and niche roles - The agency vs in-house TA economics shift happening right now - What "good" looks like for time-to-fill, response rates, and recruiter capacity in 2026 - The future of the recruiter role: strategist vs operator, and which parts of the job AI is actually changing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bo Short Co-Founder & CEO, Base Molecular Resonance Technologies - Speaker to 1M+ People in 35 Countries. Published author and holder of 19 patents, Top 10 Most Influential Leadership Speakers of 2023 Bo Short is the Co-Founder and CEO of Base Molecular Resonance™ Technologies, a company advancing one of the most important scientific breakthroughs in the past 50 years. In less than 24 months, Bo and his team have transformed a revolutionary quantum physics discovery into a validated technology with 20 patent assets and a third-party valuation of $60.3 billion. BMRT’s technology can detect cancers, weapons, explosives, and every element on the periodic table. It is non-invasive, safer than Wi-Fi, and designed for mass-market affordability. A published author and holder of 19 revolutionary patents, Bo was named one of the 'Top 10 Most Influential Leadership Speakers of 2023,' cited alongside Jordan Peterson, Simon Sinek, Malcolm Gladwell, and John Maxwell. He has spoken in 35 countries to over one million people, addressing global brands and institutions including Harley-Davidson, John Hancock, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the American Red Cross. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Newsome Lead generation specialist, Non traditional referral generation strategist As a featured guest on your show. Your audience will discover how to systematically create long term repeat customers. Even on a shoestring budget. And how to consistently out promote their big buck major competitors. For a fraction of the traditional upfront out of pocket cost. Plus consistently generate a ton of on and offline buzz All without major corporate backing! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren Cockerell Public Relations and Marketing Expert for Growing Organizations Lauren Kwedar Cockerell is the founder and president of Kwedar & Co., a boutique strategic communications firm that helps business owners grow with clarity, confidence, and integrity. Her team provides both the thinking and doing behind thoughtful PR and marketing so clients can focus on building meaningful businesses without losing themselves in the process. At Kwedar & Co., Lauren works with values-driven entrepreneurs across industries like insurance, real estate, and manufacturing to uncover the stories that build trust, reputation, and long-term relevance. Beyond the firm, Lauren is a member of the Fort Worth Chamber board of directors, the immediate past board chair of the Foundation for the Young Women’s Leadership Academy of Fort Worth, and an EO Fort Worth Accelerator participant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carol Clegg When was the last time you held space for YOU? Business Coach Simple strategies for clarity and more ease and flow Carol Clegg is an accountability and mental fitness coach who supports people navigating change — in life and business — and wanting to move forward in a way that feels more like themselves. Her work blends gentle accountability with mindset and mental fitness tools, helping clients move from feeling scattered or stuck into clarity, consistency, and steady, meaningful progress. With a background in marketing and as the founder of Classic Exec Marketing, Carol brings a practical, real-world perspective to her coaching, grounded in both experience and a deep understanding of what it takes to keep trying and showing up. Her approach has been shaped not only by her professional journey, but also by her personal experiences of loss, reinvention, and learning to trust life in a new way. This brings a calm, compassionate depth to the way she supports her clients. Carol is passionate about helping people create sustainable ways of working and living — where success is defined not just by achievement, but by alignment, balance, and self-trust. Originally from South Africa and now based in the USA, she works with clients around the world and hosts the podcast Connect Inspire Create, where she explores thoughtful conversations about life, growth, and what it means to move forward with intention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christopher Swing Christopher Swing: Seasoned Executive Driving Innovation Across Logistics, Banking, Healthcare, and Private Equity A podcaster might want to have Christopher Swing on their show for several reasons: Diverse Industry Expertise: Christopher’s extensive experience across logistics, healthcare, private equity, manufacturing, and finance allows him to offer valuable insights that appeal to a wide range of audiences. Podcasters appreciate guests who can speak to different topics and share stories from various fields. Leadership Insights: As a seasoned executive and board director, Christopher can share practical advice and strategies on leadership, decision-making, and driving organizational growth. This especially appeals to business-focused podcasts aiming to educate entrepreneurs and aspiring leaders. Success Stories and Case Studies: His accomplishments at Vantage Surgical Solutions, such as revolutionizing logistics and spearheading healthcare innovations, can serve as case studies for business success. Christopher can share real-life examples of overcoming challenges and driving transformational change. Private Equity and Investment Knowledge: With his experience in private equity and investments, Christopher can provide insights into evaluating ventures, generating returns, and empowering emerging companies, which would be of interest to finance, investment, or startup-focused podcasts. Teaching and Mentorship Experience: As an Adjunct Professor, he can offer advice on career growth, continuous learning, and business education, appealing to podcasts that focus on personal development or professional skills. Thought Leadership: Christopher’s broad knowledge and visionary outlook can help shape discussions on the future of industries like healthcare, logistics, or finance. Podcasters often seek thought leaders with unique perspectives on trends and future directions. Networking and Relatability: His reputation for building relationships and fostering stakeholder consensus can resonate with audiences interested in understanding how to connect, collaborate, and cultivate strong networks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Goldman For the past 9 years, franchise coach and consultant Adam Goldman has helped hundreds of people transform their lives through franchise business ownership. As the author of The Franchisee Lifestyle, he demystifies franchising and shares key insights into what makes or breaks a deal. In addition, as founder of FranchiseVisa, Adam helps foreign investors secure a U.S. E-2 Visa through franchise investment—turning entrepreneurial and immigration goals into reality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Barattiero Dr. Paul Barattiero, Founder of Echo Dr. Paul Barattiero is the founder of LumaNova and a leading advocate for performance-based red light therapy systems designed to support cellular health, recovery, and long-term vitality. With more than two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry, he focuses on advancing non-invasive technologies that enhance mitochondrial function, improve energy production, and optimize the body’s natural recovery processes. Through LumaNova, Dr. Paul develops photobiomodulation devices engineered to deliver clinically relevant wavelengths and power densities aligned with published research. His work centers on helping individuals, athletes, and wellness providers integrate red and near-infrared light therapy into practical, measurable health routines. By bridging consumer accessibility with professional-grade standards, he positions red light therapy as both a performance tool and a foundational wellness modality. Scientific literature on photobiomodulation underscores that therapeutic benefit is dose-dependent. The biological response to red and near-infrared light is influenced by wavelength specificity, irradiance, exposure time, and cumulative energy delivery. Peer-reviewed studies suggest that when light is delivered within established parameters, it may support: • Enhanced mitochondrial ATP production and cellular energy output • Reduction in oxidative stress and inflammatory markers • Improved muscle recovery and tissue repair • Increased circulation and collagen support for skin health • Circadian rhythm alignment and sleep quality • Cognitive clarity and mood regulation Research consistently emphasizes that precision matters. Effective photobiomodulation requires consistent wavelength accuracy and controlled irradiance levels to align with validated photobiological standards. This research-driven approach informs the development philosophy behind LumaNova systems and distinguishes clinically aligned devices from commodity wellness lighting products. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Beynon Founder of Elite Ladies Kickboxing, Dance and Yoga Today’s guest is Tim Beynon, the owner of Elite Ladies Kickboxing, Dance & Yoga. Tim has built one of the fastest-growing community-driven fitness brands in the South of the UK, now serving over 2,500 members and generating $2.5 million in annual turnover all through in-person, membership-based businesses. He specialises in small business growth, entrepreneurial mindset, and scaling sustainable membership models across martial arts, Pilates, dance, and children’s sports programmes. Tim is passionate about building strong communities, developing leaders, and creating businesses that thrive long term both financially and culturally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ruth Douthitt, Manager of RAD Writing, LLC Through story and art, Ruth Douthitt explores faith, courage, and creativity—inviting readers and viewers to see the extraordinary beauty hidden in ordinary moments. As a best-selling self-published author across multiple genres, I’ve spent years learning the ins and outs of the publishing world. Through my award-nominated podcast, "A Writer’s Day," I’ve interviewed hundreds of authors and discovered the incredible power of community—how sharing our creative journeys can inspire, connect, and motivate us all. I'd love to share about my books and my writing journey with your audience. As an educator, I love to inspire others to never quit learning. I returned to school to obtain my masters in Mental Health and Wellness. Beyond writing, I’m also a mental health and wellness advocate and a trained grief support group facilitator with GriefShare. I’ve seen firsthand how storytelling and the arts can bring healing, helping people navigate loss and rediscover hope. Empowering others to find light through creativity and faith is truly my passion. When I’m not writing or podcasting, you’ll often find me running desert trails or hiking mountain paths—activities that help me nurture both mental clarity and spiritual renewal. I've completed many marathons, half marathons, and ultramarathons to challenge myself. These races have taken me to lovely Rome, to Lake Powell, and to the forests of Yosemite National Park. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Glyn Powditch 3rd Degree BJJ Black Belt & AI Marketing Founder Helping Businesses Turn Ads into Growth & Profit Most businesses know they need more leads or more sales, but very few understand why their current marketing isn’t working — or where they’re wasting money. That’s where I come in. I’m a business owner, 3rd degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and co-founder of Dream Agility, where I help companies across lead generation and eCommerce turn inconsistent, expensive marketing into predictable growth. My background combines hands-on experience running a gym with deep expertise in Google Ads, AI, and performance marketing. I’ve also shared these insights across a range of podcasts and platforms, including appearances on: BJJ Fanatics YouTube (1M+ subscribers) 2 appearances on USDC by Rokas Leo YouTube (630k subscribers) Business of Jiu Jitsu Wrong Side of 35 CareerJitsu Other business and martial arts-focused shows What makes this valuable for podcast audiences is that I don’t speak in theory — I work directly with businesses dealing with real challenges: Rising ad costs Poor lead quality Low conversion rates Unclear ROI On podcasts, I break down what’s actually happening in modern marketing from why many businesses overspend on ads, to how AI and data can be used to improve performance without simply increasing budget. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is Kathrine Parnell — a licensed therapist, author, and retreat creator with over two decades of experience in the mental health field. Kathrine is the founder of A New View Counseling & Psychological Services and the author of Keeping It Real, a book centered on authenticity and honest growth. Her work now extends beyond the therapy room into transformational retreats, including immersive retreats in Scotland designed for people who are created for people who appear capable and accomplished, yet feel tired, disconnected, or out of alignment with themselves. Through her work, Kathrine helps people slow down, reconnect with themselves, and move forward with greater clarity, intention, and authenticity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jane Muir Super Lawyer Jane Muir: UM Law Grad, Court-Appointed Receiver & Successful Firm Founder on Business Strategy, Litigation Defense & AI-Powered Law Practice. Jane Muir is a Miami attorney, whose practice focuses on commercial litigation, contracts and general counsel. Her diverse experience includes purchase, sale and management of businesses, and enforcing a variety of business contracts, prosecuting partnership and real estate disputes, defending intellectual property rights, and recovering assets. She has been appointed to serve as Receiver in several Florida circuit courts, to temporarily manage businesses during legal disputes, and recognized with several significant honors and awards, such as the Florida Bar's 2015 Young Lawyers Division’s Lynn Futch Most Productive Young Lawyer Award. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Phillip Lanier From Poverty to 8-Figure Exit | Teaching Practical Money & Mindset for Everyday People Phillip Lanier is an entrepreneur who built and sold an eight-figure business after growing up in poverty. Today, he helps everyday people take control of their money through practical financial discipline, mindset shifts, and real-world strategies that actually work. He’s the author of No College, No Problem and teaches people how to go from financial survival to stability and long-term wealth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ross Brouse CISO & Founder | Speaker & Author | Providing leaders with clarity to reduce cyber risk and improve security decisions. Ross Brouse, President and Chief Security Officer at Continuous Networks, is a seasoned security strategist, compliance practitioner, and bestselling author. He works with organizations to protect sensitive data, strengthen their security posture, and navigate complex regulatory requirements with confidence. He’s known for delivering clear, practical guidance that helps leaders reduce risk and build stronger, more resilient operations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joshua Lee Founder & CEO of First Light Studios ($100mm+ in managed revenue) I’m Joshua Lee, founder of First Light Studios — and I help legacy brand owners bring their products into the modern digital marketplace without losing the heart of what made them successful in the first place. I specialize in partnering with founders who’ve built trusted, values-driven businesses — often over decades — but haven’t yet figured out how to translate that success to platforms like Amazon, Walmart, or social commerce. My agency doesn’t just “do eCommerce.” We become strategic growth partners for brand owners who want to protect their legacy, expand their reach, and continue serving their customers in a changing world. What makes me different is I don’t just understand eCommerce — I understand founders. I’ve worked with VC-backed startups and household names sold in Walgreens and REI, but I choose to work with companies that care about good stewardship, sustainable products, and people-first leadership. Your audience will walk away with a clear understanding of how to: Future-proof their brand in the face of digital disruption Unlock new growth channels without compromising their values Avoid common traps when entering Amazon or Walmart for the first time Think differently about legacy, succession, and scaling with integrity If your show is about entrepreneurship, brand building, purpose-driven leadership, or navigating change — I’ll bring a mix of strategic insight, real-world experience, and a deep respect for the people behind the products. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kim Miller-Hershon Success Isn’t Earned. It’s Owned. Start Acting Like It. I’m all about creating real value for your listeners — whether they’re scaling their businesses or leveling up personally. My mission? To get them thinking differently, moving forward faster, and laughing a little along the way. If your audience walks away with even one action they can take immediately, I’ll consider it a win. (Bonus: I’m an engaging speaker who knows how to mix strategy with a little wit — because growth doesn’t have to be boring.) I’m an international business coach, corporate trainer, and speaker, and I host the Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom podcast — where clichés come to retire and fresh thinking we inspire. I work with business executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders on the not-so-sexy but absolutely critical skills: leadership, management, interpersonal communication, and time management. But here’s the heartbeat of my work — helping people lead and succeed by being more of themselves, not less. Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword in my world; it’s the backbone of real, sustainable success. If you’re looking for a guest who will bring sharp insights, practical strategies, and an energizing conversation to your show, I’d love to collaborate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ann Pells Founder of LifeGiver Legacy | Helping Families Build Freedom, Income, and Legacy Through Simple Wealth Systems. Today’s guest is Ann Pells, a financial freedom strategist and founder of LifeGiver Legacy, a purpose-driven movement helping families replace financial stress with predictable passive income. Ann’s journey started with a simple free call at AnnsPlan.com, and what began as her personal search for peace of mind turned into a mission that’s helped countless people take back control of their money and time. Through her proven Three Steps to Financial Freedom, Ann teaches how to: 1. Pay off your home in 5–7 years without changing your income, 2. Build multiple streams of passive income through done-with-you businesses and real estate, and 3. Create financial peace of mind in just one hour a week while building a lasting legacy. She believes wealth should create freedom, not pressure and she’s here to share exactly how to make that your reality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Chamandy Co-founder and Chief Purpose Officer at PurposeU, Co-founder, Blueprint Business Architecture – Life gets better with purpose! Over the last 20 years, Ian has helped more than 400 organizations define their purpose and become consistently uniquely remarkable through his proprietary Blueprint process. "Blueprinting" defines an organization's purpose – in 7 words or less – and uses it to design how it will operate and communicate. Ian has adapted this process for individuals so they can create a personal Blueprint for a happy, productive, self-directed and purpose-driven life. He is also an author, speaker and coach, as well as a contributor to a nationally broadcast TV station. He co-wrote the book "Why should I choose you?: Answering the most important question in business in seven words or less", published by HarperCollins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Leblanc  Harvard | Marine | Sequoia Founder Mike LeBlanc brings a distinct perspective shaped by experience in environments where decisions carry real consequences. He spent 13 years as a Marine Corps officer, including deployments and advisory work at the Pentagon, before transitioning into entrepreneurship and building robotics companies deployed in complex, real-world conditions. After leaving the military, Mike co-founded multiple robotics companies, including Cobalt Robotics (acquired in 2024) and his current company, Foundation Future Industries, which builds humanoid robotic systems for defense and industrial applications. His work sits at the intersection of leadership, technology, national security, and organizational design. Podcast conversations with Mike tend to go beyond surface-level business stories. He speaks candidly about leading under pressure, building teams from nontraditional backgrounds, translating military experience into civilian organizations, and what it actually takes to deploy technology in high-stakes environments. He also draws on experience building venture-backed companies at the intersection of AI and roboticsfrom early hiring and product decisions to scaling and fundraising across all stages. Hosts often find that his background creates natural entry points into discussions on leadership, trust, decision-making, ethics, and execution—whether the audience is interested in startups, defense, robotics, artificial intelligence, or personal leadership growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Singh 4X Founder / Serial Entrepreneur & Author / $75M Raised - Founder/CEO Sentium Labs - World's First Voice Companion For Business Four Exits, $75M Previously Raised -The Founder Building the World’s First Synthetic Voice First Co-Founder Sam Singh is a serial entrepreneur and deep-tech founder who has raised over $75 million from top Silicon Valley investors and has been featured on CNN, CNBC, and leading global media. He is the founder of Sentium Labs, based in San Francisco, and is the creator of MAXX — a voice-first AI business companion often described as the world’s first synthetic co-founder. After multiple exits across marketing services, hospitality, and prop-tech, Sam is now working at the edge of AI development — not just building tools, but rethinking what intelligence itself means. He is the originator of the concept of Composite Intelligence — a new paradigm that blends machine intelligence, enterprise data, and human “tribal knowledge” into a persistent, living system that can reason, remember, and execute in real time through voice. Educated at UC Berkeley, Sam is also the author of a book on AI and the future of work, and his current mission is radical: to replace the need for software interfaces, dashboards, and even human co-founders with a voice-driven synthetic business partner that thinks, plans, and acts alongside you. His work sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, human behavior, and the future of entrepreneurship — and offers a rare, practical look at what happens when AI stops being a tool and starts becoming a collaborator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maren Perry Maren Perry; Founder & CEO, Arden Coaching. Dynamic, relatable, smart guest for podcasts on the HUMAN SIDE of LEADERSHIP. Expert in executive coaching, leadership, and making the host look great! Maren Perry is the Founder and CEO of Arden Coaching. For nearly two decades, Maren has partnered with CHROs and senior executives at organizations like Kaiser Permanente, Mars/Wrigley, ZipRecruiter, and JLL to develop leadership capacity and strengthen organizational culture. She’s a Professional Certified Coach and entrepreneur known for her candor, clarity, and ability to help leaders and HR executives create thriving, high-performing workplaces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carilyn Marrero From Paycheck-to-Paycheck to Financial Freedom — Financial Strategist Helping Working Professionals Escape Debt, Invest Confidently, and Build Generational Wealth. Carilyn Marrero is a financial freedom strategist and entrepreneur who went from living paycheck-to-paycheck to building lasting wealth after immigrating to the United States. After experiencing financial pressure, debt, and starting over from scratch, she became determined to understand how money truly works. Today, she teaches working professionals how to escape the earn–spend cycle, eliminate debt strategically, invest with confidence, and build generational wealth through her Método LIBRE™ framework. Carilyn is on a mission to help millions transform hard work into financial freedom without burnout, shame, or confusion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeremy Neilson Venture Capital Expert Jeremy is a seasoned fintech entrepreneur and private investment technology leader with over 15 years of experience working with SPVs and investment administration tools. Prior to Sally, he co‑founded and served as CEO of Assure, a pioneering fintech fund and SPV administration platform that helped power thousands of investment vehicles for angel groups, syndicators and venture capital funds across the U.S. He also launched and managed Utah’s $300M Fund of Funds program and has led strategic initiatives in venture capital operations, due diligence, and fund administration — blending deep financial expertise with operational leadership to drive innovation in private markets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Entrepreneurship 101, in its first season, features Robert Mahoney, a leading voice in Behavioral Threat Assessment and Targeted Violence Prevention (TVTP) solutions. In this compelling episode, Robert shares his expertise on how entrepreneurs, organizations, and leaders can proactively identify risks, strengthen workplace safety, and build resilient business environments. Drawing from his experience in behavioral analysis and threat prevention, he discusses how businesses can move beyond reactive crisis management and instead implement strategic, preventative frameworks that protect employees, customers, and organizational reputation. This conversation explores the growing importance of security awareness in today’s rapidly changing business landscape, where behavioral insights and early intervention can make the difference between stability and disruption. Robert Mahoney provides practical guidance for entrepreneurs looking to integrate threat assessment strategies into their leadership approach, emphasizing communication, awareness, and proactive decision-making. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how thoughtful leadership, combined with behavioral intelligence, can create safer, stronger, and more sustainable organizations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Entrepreneurship 101, in its first season, features Courtney and Slava, the President and Founder of Puptqe, as they take listeners behind the scenes of their entrepreneurial journey—sharing the vision that sparked their business, the challenges they navigated in building a brand from the ground up, and the strategic decisions that shaped their growth. In this episode, they discuss the realities of leadership, the importance of resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing market, and how aligning passion with purpose can create a sustainable and impactful venture. Courtney and Slava also offer valuable insights on scaling operations, fostering innovation, and maintaining a strong company culture while pursuing long-term success in the competitive world of entrepreneurship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pete Polyakov Built the World's Largest 3D Car Tuning Library | Turning Automotive Frustration Into a $B Demand Signal Platform Pete Polyakov is the founder of ModsNation - the world's largest 3D automotive tuning platform - and Arvion Bauhaus, a custom Porsche 911 Design House. After losing money buying parts that looked wrong on his car, Pete built what didn't exist: a 3D try-before-you-buy system for the auto aftermarket. Today, 600+ 3D cars and 250,000+ parts later, manufacturers use the platform to test demand before committing to production. Pete holds a PhD in philosophy, was born in Moscow, raised in South Asia, and now builds from Florida. His background spans architecture, film, and software - which is exactly why his platform looks different from everything else in the industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is Ali Badi, founder of The Score Machine and a credit & funding strategist who helps entrepreneurs optimize their credit profiles, get approved for funding, and build real financial leverage. Ali breaks down how the credit and banking system actually works, common mistakes business owners make, and the simple steps people can take right now to improve approvals and access more capital. I’ve been in the credit and funding industry for over 15 years. I started right after college when I didn’t get into law school and took a different path into the credit repair world. That early experience gave me a front-row seat to how the industry really works — the good, the bad, and the parts most people never see. Over the years, I learned directly from top operators in the space, worked alongside high-level performers, and saw firsthand how many people are given surface-level advice that doesn’t actually prepare them for real approvals. Eventually, I transitioned deeper into funding, where I saw the biggest gap: people were being sent to institutions before they were ready. In 2020, during the early days of COVID, I experienced my first major breakthrough month in funding — and that’s when it fully clicked. The real opportunity wasn’t just helping people apply for funding. It was preparing them to meet institutional standards before they ever walked into a bank or lender conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Entrepreneurship 101, in its first season, features Emily Reynolds, discussing her journey as the founder of the award-winning R Public Relations. In this episode, Emily Reynolds shares how she built a respected public relations agency known for its strategic storytelling, innovative campaigns, and strong client relationships across multiple industries. The conversation explores the realities of entrepreneurship—from identifying opportunities and building a brand to leading a team and maintaining credibility in a competitive communications landscape. Emily reflects on the discipline, creativity, and resilience required to grow a successful business while staying committed to authentic messaging and meaningful community impact. This episode of Entrepreneurship 101 offers listeners valuable insights into leadership, business development, and the entrepreneurial mindset required to transform a vision into a thriving company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bilal Ahmed Interventional cardiologist. Founder of Lylah Health. Bringing science to the supplement space (Reset your gut - Upgrade your heart health). Internal/external mantra is no bullshit, ever. Dr. Ahmed is an interventional/structural cardiologist and co-founder and CSO of Lylah Health, the personalized microbiome therapeutics company. Lylah Health is a gut microbiome solution that combines prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics targeted at heart health and risk factors for heart disease. He's a doctor first and entrepreneur second. His mantra is "no bullshit, ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dusty Gulleson CEO at Tectonic (formerly eResources) | Strategic Partner to Mission-Driven Orgs | Dad, Builder, Bourbon & Cigar Guy Dusty Gulleson didn’t start with a grand vision. After leaving a misaligned COO role, Dusty Gulleson rebuilt from the ground up, waiting tables and taking freelance web projects until one client turned into many. Over 25 years, that hustle grew into Tectonic (formerly eResources), a 100+ person digital services and technology firm built without outside capital. As CEO, Dusty has guided the company’s growth and transformation, unifying its divisions into a cohesive digital powerhouse while helping leaders cut through digital noise to drive measurable results. He has led five successful acquisitions, built recurring revenue across sectors including housing, higher education, and public health, and created distributed teams that operate on trust, autonomy, and shared purpose. Dusty has guided Tectonic through major growth by unifying multiple divisions into a single, cohesive digital powerhouse. Along the way, he’s learned that tools are just tools. What matters is clarity, trust, and a step‑by‑step plan that avoids overwhelm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Miles Cashflow Expert and ANTI-Financial Advisor Chris Miles is the Cash Flow Expert and Anti-Financial Advisor who helps high-income earners achieve financial freedom—without relying on Wall Street. After years as a traditional financial advisor, Chris saw the truth: no one was actually retiring early with 401(k)s and mutual funds. So he did the unthinkable—left the industry, turned to passive income strategies, and retired at 28. Then he did it again at 39, proving it wasn’t a one-time fluke. As founder of Money Ripples and host of the Money Ripples Podcast, Chris has helped clients unlock over $300 million in hidden cash flow and create predictable streams of passive income. He’s been featured in CNN Money, BiggerPockets, and Entrepreneurs on Fire, and is on a mission to help others stop working for money—and start making money work for them. In case you were wondering, Chris is also a marathon runner, former competitive ballroom dancer, and proudly took 5th place in his 3rd grade spelling bee. Now you know more than you needed to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Entrepreneurship 101, in its first season, features Jake Stahl, creator of Neurostrategy™ and CEO of Orchestraight™, as he shares his innovative approach to leadership, strategy, and business transformation. In this episode, Jake discusses how neuroscience, strategic thinking, and human behavior intersect to shape more effective leadership and decision-making in today’s complex business environment. As the creator of Neurostrategy™, he explores how understanding the brain’s patterns, motivations, and cognitive processes can help entrepreneurs design smarter strategies, improve performance, and lead teams with greater clarity and purpose. Through his work at Orchestraight™, Jake focuses on aligning people, systems, and strategy so organizations can move with precision and adaptability in an ever-changing marketplace. This conversation on Entrepreneurship 101 invites listeners to rethink traditional business strategy and consider how insights from neuroscience and behavioral science can unlock innovation, strengthen leadership, and create sustainable success for modern entrepreneurs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Faisal Ensaun Certified High performance coach, business coach, Speaker As an immigrant from a war-torn country, I've faced immense challenges, including overcoming addiction and bouts of deep personal despair. Today, I stand as a beacon of success, fulfillment, and purpose, reaching heights that seemed unimaginable in my childhood. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of coaching over 2,000 individuals from diverse backgrounds—ranging from students and stay-at-home moms to CEOs and multimillionaires. Certified in high-performance coaching since 2015 and business coaching since 2022, I've made profound impacts through both one-on-one sessions and group workshops. I regularly appear on podcasts and at events, inspiring participants to connect deeply with their visions and unlock their potential. I co-founded the Coaching Mastery Community to empower other coaches to refine their skills and expand their practices. I also lead the CMI Coaching and Mentoring Mastermind for multifamily investors and entrepreneurs, providing weekly sessions that focus on high performance, personal development, and investing. I am a devoted father to two beautiful daughters and the husband of a successful coach who has been my rock. When not coaching, I enjoy camping and traveling the world with my family. Whether it's in our motorhome or by plane, ship, or train, I cherish connecting with nature and meeting people committed to making a positive impact. As a community leader, I am dedicated to helping the younger generation achieve Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Patneaude Executive Coach for Financial Advisors | Creator of the STAR Scalability℠ Method. Joe Patneaude is an executive coach, author, and creator of the STAR Scalability℠ Method, a practical, people-first framework that helps leaders grow their businesses without sacrificing their time, health, or team. With more than 25 years in financial services, Joe’s career spans operations, compliance, technology, and executive leadership, including a rise from the mailroom to the C-suite. That journey gives him a perspective most coaches don’t have: he understands the invisible gap between how leaders think their business works and how their people actually experience it. Joe specializes in helping founders, financial advisors, and service-based leaders simplify complexity, build stronger teams, and scale sustainably. His work blends real-world leadership experience with direct, honest insight. No fluff. No recycled coaching platitudes. Just clear, actionable principles grounded in lived experience. Podcast audiences appreciate Joe because he brings a refreshing mix of straight talk, relatable stories, and genuinely useful strategies. Whether discussing burnout, team culture, scaling pains, or the challenges of growing a business that actually supports your life, Joe makes complex leadership issues simple and practical. If your audience is full of leaders, owners, advisors, or entrepreneurs looking for clarity, focus, and a sustainable path forward, Joe brings the insights, and the candor, that make conversations memorable and valuable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Entrepreneurship 101, in its first season, features Jodi Hume, who joins the program to share insights from her 15-year career as the Chief Operating Officer of a rapidly growing architecture firm. In this episode, she discusses the realities of executive leadership, operational strategy, and what it takes to scale a professional services business while maintaining culture, efficiency, and long-term vision. Drawing from years of hands-on experience managing teams, navigating complex projects, and guiding organizational growth, Jodi offers valuable perspectives for entrepreneurs seeking to strengthen their leadership, operational discipline, and decision-making in an evolving business landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Entrepreneurship 101, in its first season, features Pericles Rellas discussing the powerful concept of Shifting Negative Money Mindsets. In this episode, we explore how deeply ingrained beliefs about money—often shaped by upbringing, culture, and past experiences—can unconsciously limit entrepreneurial growth and financial success. Pericles shares practical insights on recognizing scarcity-driven thinking, reframing limiting beliefs, and developing a healthier relationship with wealth creation. The conversation highlights how entrepreneurs can replace fear, guilt, or self-doubt around money with clarity, confidence, and intentional financial strategies. By shifting mindset from survival to abundance, business owners can unlock greater opportunities, make better decisions, and build sustainable prosperity in both their ventures and personal lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Sells Jesse Sells is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Impact Growth Capital, where he manages the daily operations of a diverse portfolio of properties and companies. With a strong passion for creating meaningful change, Jesse connects strategic vision with concrete results. His focus ensures that each project not only achieves its goals but also positively impacts communities and the wider market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Derek shares the strategic and spiritual architecture behind creating Pachamama Sanctuary a space designed for transformation, healing, and conscious community. We explore what it truly takes to launch and sustain a sanctuary-based business model, from land acquisition and infrastructure development to brand positioning, retreat programming, and long-term sustainability. This is not just about starting a business; it’s about stewarding a vision that integrates profitability with purpose. Listeners will gain insight into founder resilience, values-aligned leadership, and the operational realities of running a retreat destination in a global marketplace. How do you scale impact without compromising authenticity? What risks must founders embrace when building something unconventional? This episode delivers clarity for entrepreneurs who want to build not only revenue but legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Entrepreneurship 101, in its first season, features Josh Carr, CEO of Echo Water, a pioneering company at the forefront of hydrogen-based wellness innovation. In this in-depth conversation, Josh shares what it truly means to lead a science-driven brand in a rapidly evolving health market, navigating regulatory landscapes, consumer skepticism, and competitive pressure while staying anchored to mission and long-term vision. He breaks down the entrepreneurial realities behind scaling a wellness company — from product development and operational logistics to building a values-based culture and positioning a brand as both credible and cutting-edge. This episode explores leadership under pressure, strategic growth, disciplined execution, and the mindset required to transform emerging technology into a sustainable global enterprise. For founders, innovators, and ambitious entrepreneurs, this discussion offers practical insight into building not just a company, but a category-defining movement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode moves beyond résumé screening and into the structural mechanics of building high-performance teams. Michael T. Brown emphasizes that hiring is not a transactional decision—it is a strategic investment. The wrong hire does more than reduce productivity; it disrupts culture, drains leadership energy, and creates long-term financial leakage. Slow growth is recoverable. Cultural misalignment is costly. Even talented individuals fail when expectations are ambiguous. Brown highlights the necessity of defining measurable outcomes, decision authority, and accountability structures before extending an offer. Alignment reduces friction and accelerates execution. The episode also addresses founder psychology. Many entrepreneurs hire reactively—either too quickly out of urgency or too late out of control tendencies. Brown argues for disciplined workforce planning grounded in projected revenue, workload analysis, and cultural readiness. From onboarding systems to performance reviews, this feature of Entrepreneurship 101 reinforces that hiring is leadership in action. Every addition to a team reshapes organizational identity. Strong companies are not built by chance—they are built by intentional selection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sonia Couto 2x Tech Founder. Learned Leadership Through Multiple Start-Overs. Breast Cancer Survivor. Sonia Couto is a tech founder, operator, and product builder known for turning chaotic environments into clear, grounded, and high-performing systems. She leads two global SaaS platforms and has spent over 20 years rebuilding products, teams, and companies through disciplined, common-sense leadership. A breast cancer survivor who continued running and scaling companies throughout treatment, Sonia brings a rare, practical perspective on resilience, decision-making under pressure, and leading when fear is loud. Her insights cut through theory and get straight to what founders and executives actually face: uncertainty, complexity, and the responsibility of execution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Entrepreneurship 101, in its first season, features Stan Kurtz, CEO of Quantum Research, in a powerful conversation exploring the cellular, emotional, energetic, and spiritual blocks that often limit entrepreneurial growth. In this thought-provoking episode, Stan examines how unseen internal patterns can quietly influence leadership decisions, risk tolerance, resilience, and long-term vision. He breaks down how emotional conditioning, subconscious belief systems, and energetic imbalances can affect clarity, execution, and performance at the executive level. Listeners gain insight into how high-level leaders can move beyond surface strategy and address deeper internal constraints that impact innovation and scaling. This episode challenges founders and business owners to view entrepreneurship not only as a financial pursuit, but as an integrated journey of personal alignment, mindset recalibration, and holistic performance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oksana Lukash From C-suite burnout to thriving teams – I help leaders build cultures that put people first. ’m Oksana Lukash, and my story is rooted in transformation — personal, organizational, and cultural. I immigrated from Moscow to the U.S. at 13, learning early how to navigate major transitions and find strength in uncertainty. That experience shaped my ability to lead through change, connect across cultures, and build belonging from the ground up. Over the last 20 years, I’ve served as a Chief People Officer, advisor, and coach, building people strategies in high-growth startups, Fortune 500s, and mission-driven organizations. I’ve led companies through hypergrowth, turnarounds, layoffs, leadership crises, and cultural rewrites. My work sits at the intersection of human behavior, business outcomes, and personal growth. But what sets me apart isn’t just my experience. It’s my lens. I don’t believe culture is a buzzword or that burnout is a badge of honor. I believe people strategy is business strategy. That confidence and clarity can be taught. And that the way you treat people is the ultimate competitive advantage. I help others lean into their “No Matter What Values” and to turn complex leadership challenges into simple, actionable insight. Whether I’m coaching executives, facilitating offsites, or speaking on stage, my goal is the same: help people lead with more heart, less noise, and a whole lot more intention. If your listeners are navigating change, struggling with confidence, leading teams, or trying to build a meaningful career or culture, I will bring them truth, tools, and tangible steps they can act on right away. And I do it with realness, warmth, and a deep respect for the stories we all carry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lidia Axe I help [ex]corporate overachievers turn their dreams into paying clients in their solobusiness. No blood, sweat, or tears required. Maybe some tears I help talented, heart-driven, qualified coaches go from “I’m posting and praying” to consistent $10K+ months—without resorting to sleazy tactics or cookie-cutter advice. If you’re still stuck juggling a full-time job and a part-time coaching hustle that barely covers your software stack, I’m the coach who will lovingly—but firmly—call you out on what’s keeping you stuck. And spoiler: it’s probably not your skills. It’s your strategy. WHAT I BELIEVE: ・ Sales is service—if you truly believe in your work, you owe it to people to make the offer ・ Content without a conversion path is just unpaid performance ・ You don’t need another certification—you need paying clients ・ You’re not “bad at marketing.” You’ve just never been shown how to do it in a way that feels good ・ Specificity attracts. Generality repels. (Yes, you need a niche. Yes, even if you “help everyone.”) ・ You don’t need a bigger audience. You need a better offer. ・ Showing up consistently beats switching strategies every two weeks because “Instagram hates me” WHAT I TALK ABOUT ON PODCASTS: I’m known for cutting through the fluff and talking about the real reasons most coaches struggle financially—and what to do about it. If you host a podcast for coaches, solopreneurs, service-based business owners, or anyone in the online space who’s sick of the “just post more” hamster wheel, I’m your person. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Milan Cash Flow Mike I’m Cash Flow Mike, and I help business owners and their advisors find hidden cash in their companies—without spreadsheets full of confusion or lectures they’ll forget by tomorrow. For the past 20+ years, I’ve been in the trenches—starting, building, advising, and saving businesses. I’ve built or helped build 14 companies from the ground up. Along the way, I realized that most small business owners are flying blind when it comes to their finances—not because they’re bad at business, but because no one ever showed them how to read the story their numbers are trying to tell. That’s where I come in. I created the Clear Path to Cash framework—a practical system that shows people how to improve their cash flow, increase profitability, and build a more valuable business using real data, real fast. I’ve taught it to over 25,000 business owners, CPAs, bookkeepers, and bankers—and helped them uncover more than $150 million in hidden cash. But I’m not just about the numbers. I’m about helping people make better decisions—and have better conversations. That’s why I wrote three books: The 7 Minute Conversation – Learn to analyze financial statements in less time than it takes to finish your coffee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Mcmanus  Faith, family and business. Entrepreneur, millionaire at 26, multiple business owner. Grew a landscaping company into multiple seven figures in 7 years right out of high school, carry multiple trade license’s, looking to grow to a $25 million dollar business valuation, also own a small real estate company, as well as pool/spa retail store. Looking to meet, network and add any value that I can from lots of hard lessons learned over the last seven years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robert Gaines Author of Scintilla. I help entrepreneurs unlock original business ideas and turn them into revenue. On podcasts, Robert speaks about creativity, entrepreneurship, the idea-generation process, LinkedIn presence, building authority, writing books that actually get finished, and how everyday people can transform observations into profitable opportunities. He brings direct, honest, and highly actionable insights that listeners can use the same day. He is the author of Scintilla: The Ultimate Guide to Generating Business, Product, and Service Ideas. The newly revised second edition expands on previous concepts, turning the material into a playbook. Robert is known for blending real-world experience with accessible storytelling. His background spans small-business strategy, content creation, publishing, and community leadership. He runs a group for writers, is launching a publishing company, and has a second book in the works. He's also a fellow podcaster that understands the importance of showing up on time and prepared. Co-promoting each episode he appears on is always a priority. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices