Raw and Real Entrepreneurship®

What does it really take to walk away from stability and build something from scratch?In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship®, Susan Sly sits down with Alisa Sparks, Founder and CEO of Linden Creek. They unpack Alisa's journey from managing multi-million-dollar budgets for Naval aircraft to building a luxury interior design, home staging, and Airbnb setup brand. Linden Creek is now franchising nationwide.Alisa shares the unfiltered reality behind her leap from finance into entrepreneurship, including early cash flow challenges, bootstrapping the business as a mother of young children, and the moment she realized she had accidentally built a company that could scale beyond herself. This is not a conversation about pretty rooms. It is about leadership, emotional resilience, hard hiring and firing decisions, and the internal work required to grow a business without losing what matters most.You will also hear how Linden Creek evolved into a franchise, why cultural fit matters more than skills, how technology became a growth lever through proprietary software, and what it really costs founders when they never stop to celebrate progress. Alisa speaks candidly about motherhood, divorce, delegation, and the pressure of carrying responsibility for other people’s livelihoods.In this episode, you will learn:What it feels like to leave a secure career for an uncertain entrepreneurial pathHow Alisa bootstrapped a fast-growing luxury design businessThe mistakes founders make when hiring and holding on too longHow to scale a brand into a franchise without losing its soulWhy systems, boundaries, and self-leadership determine long-term successIf you are a founder, creative entrepreneur, or professional standing at the edge of a big decision, this conversation will meet you where you are. Honest, grounded, and deeply human, this episode serves as a reminder that growth is rarely linear and leadership always begins within.Listen now and discover what building a luxury brand really demands behind the scenes.Alisa Sparks is the Founder and CEO of Linden Creek, a luxury interior design and home staging franchise built around elevated living and meaningful design. She also leads the Linden Creek Shoppe, an online destination for curated décor and furnishings, along with Archd, an inventory management and CRM platform created to support the home staging and interior design community. With a background shaped by entrepreneurship, family life, and a love of travel and thoughtful interiors, Alisa brings a warm, creative perspective to both her work and the communities she serves.Connect with Alisa:LinkedIn: @alisasparkslcWebsite: https://linden-creek.com/Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship®. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship® podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.Connect With Susan:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thepause.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://susansly.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠:⁠⁠⁠@susansly⁠⁠⁠

This episode features a conversation with Rebecca Matchett, co-founder and COO of Synchrony, about the grit, courage, and resilience required to build a business—even in the face of deep personal and professional reinvention.Rebecca shares her entrepreneurial journey, starting with a volume-focused lemonade stand and later co-founding the iconic fashion brand Alice + Olivia, where she learned the importance of differentiation by using unique materials for pants.The discussion covers Rebecca's powerful story as a lawyer, mom, and cancer survivor, including her decision to have a prophylactic mastectomy after learning she was BRCA positive, her cancer recurrence, and going through a full hysterectomy (flash menopause). She explains that her resilience stems from her ability to compartmentalize and focus only on actionable challenges.Rebecca details how a dinner conversation led to her latest venture, Synchrony, a self-funded social ecosystem designed to connect verified neurodivergent young adults, combating loneliness and building community. She explains the user journey, where members are matched based on shared interests and communication preferences. A key feature is Jesse, an AI assistant who acts as a "wingman slash Mom Dad" to help users decode messages, start conversations, and foster social independence.​Finally, Rebecca provides a raw look at the realities of building deep technology, discussing the high costs of development, the variability of AI tokenization, and the challenges of App Store and Google Play fees and approval processes. She reveals that Synchrony is looking toward building a Progressive Web App (PWA) to mitigate these platform risks.Rebecca Matchett is a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience building and scaling businesses across fashion and technology. She is the co-founder of Alice + Olivia and has launched multiple brands, including Rebecca & Drew and TrioFit, where she developed a patented approach to women’s sizing. She is now co-founder and COO of Synchrony, an AI-driven platform designed to foster connection and community for neurodivergent individuals.Connect with Rebecca:Website: https://joinsynchrony.com/LinkedIn: @synchrony-appSusan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship®. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship® podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.Connect With Susan:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thepause.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://susansly.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠:⁠⁠⁠@susansly⁠⁠⁠

In this inspiring episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship®, Susan Sly sits down with Tracey Wheeler Noonan, co-founder of Wicked Good Cupcakes, to uncover how a Shark Tank appearance led to a multi-million dollar exit to Hickory Farms. Tracey shares the behind-the-scenes story of landing a deal with Kevin O’Leary, navigating public scrutiny, building a scalable business from a home kitchen, and what life looked like after the acquisition.She opens up about reinventing herself after divorce, manifesting success through journaling, and how she’s now on a mission to help women over 50 step into their next chapter with confidence, clarity, and purpose.Whether you're an aspiring founder, navigating a transition, or dreaming of your own big exit, tune in now to get inspired and empowered—don’t miss this episode packed with grit, wisdom, and hard-won insight.Tracey Wheeler Noonan is a self-made entrepreneur, author, and speaker who turned a home-based cupcake biz into a multimillion-dollar brand. After striking a Shark Tank deal with Kevin O’Leary, her company was acquired by Hickory Farms. Today, she’s a published author and keynote speaker for Inc. Magazine, AT&T, HP, and more—mentoring others through her course, The Cupcake Analogy.Connect with Tracey:LinkedIn: @traceynoonanInstagram:@thecupcakeanalogyInstagram: @dont_call_me_cupcakeWebsite: www.thecupcakeanalogy.comSusan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship®. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship® podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.Connect With Susan:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thepause.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://susansly.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trusted Partners:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.susansly.com/trustedpartners⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠:⁠⁠⁠@susansly⁠⁠⁠

Could watching a game show inspire the creation of a billion-dollar company? In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship®, host Susan Sly sits down with Shawn Nelson, founder and CEO of Lovesac, who shares how a lightbulb moment during The Price Is Right led to 27 years of building a public company—through bootstrapping, winning $1 million from Richard Branson on reality TV, surviving Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and navigating four years of furniture recession.Shawn reveals the one skill every entrepreneur must master (hint: it's not grit), his morning mantra for managing anxiety, and why his mom's seven-word advice saved his business. From executing immediately to maintaining "top ambition with infinite patience," this episode is packed with hard-won wisdom for anyone building something meaningful.Whether you're bootstrapping, fundraising, or considering your next move, Susan and Shawn's conversation will equip you with practical strategies, actionable insights, and real-world lessons to help you tackle your toughest entrepreneurial challenges.Meet Shawn D. Nelson - best-selling author, product inventor, and founder & CEO of Lovesac, the billion-dollar, publicly traded furniture disruptor built on one simple but wildly ambitious idea: design better, last longer, grow sustainably.Shawn’s not a coach, not a consultant - he’s a real founder who’s still in the arena. His 25-year journey from building a joke-sized beanbag in his parents’ basement to leading a public company is full of grit, near-collapse moments, comeback pivots, and hard-earned growth.Connect with Shawn:LinkedIn: @shawndnelsonInstagram:  @shawnoflovesacSusan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship®. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship® podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.Connect With Susan:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thepause.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://susansly.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trusted Partners:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.susansly.com/trustedpartners⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠:⁠⁠⁠@susansly⁠⁠⁠

What does it take to launch a female-founded brand in 700 Target stores—with no prior CPG experience? In this raw and real conversation, Susan Sly sits down with Amiee LeMaire, founder of ZEYA, the first true innovation in home fragrance since Febreze. Discover how this former Hollywood producer transformed a deeply personal passion for non-toxic, functional fragrance into a fast-growing brand selling out online and thriving in mass retail.From bootstrapping prototypes and pitching with just a deck, to overcoming investor rejection and navigating supply chain shocks, Amiee breaks down the real story behind ZEYA’s rise. Learn her strategies for pricing a brand-new product category, raising $2M in seed funding, landing a national retail partnership before launch—and how she balances it all while parenting two young kids.Whether you’re scaling a product, raising capital, or defining your own entrepreneurial journey, this episode delivers tactical insight, unapologetic truth, and a deep reminder: you can build something that changes how people live—and breathe.Aimee LeMaire is the founder of ZEYA, a clean home fragrance brand now in 700+ Target stores. After a decade in entertainment, she launched ZEYA to offer luxurious, baby-and pet-safe scents that elevate everyday spaces and promote well-being.Connect with Aimee:Website: https://zeyashop.com/LinkedIn: @aimee-blankLinkedIn: @zeyafragranceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeyafragrance/Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship®. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.Connect With Susan:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thepause.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://susansly.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trusted Partners:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.susansly.com/trustedpartners⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠:⁠⁠⁠@susansly⁠⁠⁠

What if the path to business ownership didn’t require a million dollars—or even quitting your job?In this episode, Susan Sly sits down with Alex Smereczniak, founder of Franzy—an AI-powered platform on a mission to create one million entrepreneurs by reimagining franchising. After scaling a laundry startup to a $100M valuation, Alex is now focused on using technology to democratize business ownership for anyone ready to bet on themselves.However, this conversation extends far beyond a company's story.Susan and Alex unpack what it really takes to become an entrepreneur in 2025: how to know if you're ready, how to navigate fear, and why curiosity and resilience matter more than polished credentials. Alex shares candid lessons from raising venture capital, managing self-doubt, and starting small with big ambition. They also explore the reality of AI-driven job displacement and why business ownership might be the most secure path forward.Whether you’re actively searching for your next venture or quietly questioning your 9–5, this episode will challenge you to think differently about risk, readiness, and what’s truly possible.Alex Smereczniak, founder and CEO of Franzy, turned a college laundry hustle into a $100M exit. Now he’s using AI to help 1M people become entrepreneurs through franchising—an industry with double the 5-year success rate of independent startups.Connect with Alex:Franzy: https://franzy.com/LinkedIn: @FranzySusan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.Connect With Susan:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thepause.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://susansly.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trusted Partners:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.susansly.com/trustedpartners⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠:⁠⁠⁠@susansly⁠⁠⁠

In a time of AI, rapid change, and constant disruption, what does it really take to lead?Susan Sly sits down with physicist, tech executive, and executive leadership coach Dr. Toni Collis for a candid conversation about the realities of leadership in uncertain times. From subtle bias and burnout to walking away from a successful tech career, Toni shares how she rebuilt her path with purpose and now helps others do the same.They explore what healthy ambition looks like, how to lead when you don’t fit the mold, and why clarity, not hustle, is the true currency of modern leadership.If you're leading a company, managing a team, or considering a major pivot, don’t miss this episode. Tune in now to gain valuable insights and take the next step to lead with confidence, even when the future feels unclear.Dr. Toni Collis is a physicist, tech executive, and award-winning executive leadership coach. As CEO of Toni Collis Executive Coaching and founder of the Lit Up Leadership Academy, she helps women in tech step into strategic leadership and build impactful, fulfilling careers. Toni is also the host of Leading Women in Tech, a Forbes-recognized podcast for women in leadership.Connect with Dr. Toni:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonicollis/Website: tonicollis.comSusan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.Connect With Susan:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thepause.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://susansly.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trusted Partners:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.susansly.com/trustedpartners⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠:⁠⁠⁠@susansly⁠⁠⁠

What if the anxiety, overworking, or self-doubt you feel as an entrepreneur isn’t just about your business, but the patterns you inherited?In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship®, Susan Sly sits down with trauma-informed psychologist Dr. Pauline Yeghnazar Peck to explore how inherited trauma and cultural expectations shape entrepreneurs. From high-achievers who feel like they’re always “doing it guilty” to entrepreneurs who equate success with self-worth, this is a raw look at how unresolved patterns impact leadership, risk, and identity. Dr. Peck offers insights on how entrepreneurs can unlearn the internalized narratives that keep them stuck and start making decisions from clarity, not obligation. If you’ve felt burdened by strength or success, this episode offers the clarity and direction to begin rewriting that story.Dr. Pauline Yeghnazar Peck is a first generation Iranian-Armenian trauma-informed psychologist who specializes in working with the children of immigrants and intercultural couples. She is the founder of the dynamic group practice Noor Therapy and Wellness specializing in providing culturally-informed care to residents of CA and NY. She also provides coaching, speaking, consulting, and community education internationally through her mission-led organization Bridging Gaps, Breaking Cycles. Dr. Pauline has been featured on Good Day LA as well as countless podcasts and articles given her thought leadership around how culture, sociopolitical factors, history, and more intersect with mental health. Connect with Dr. Pauline Yeghnazar Peck: Website: https://www.noortherapyandwellness.com/LinkedIn: @pauline-peck/Kajabi: https://pauline-peck.mykajabi.com/Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.Connect With Susan:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thepause.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://susansly.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trusted Partners:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.susansly.com/trustedpartners⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠:⁠⁠⁠@susansly⁠⁠⁠

What does it really look like to build a business while silently drowning in debt? In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, host Susan Sly sits down with Daniel Bussius, founder and CEO of Built by Love®, as he shares how he ended up $90,000 in personal debt—and the decision he now calls his biggest mistake. He opens up about scrapping a fully produced course, initiating a software build before the right structure and alignment were in place, and the emotional toll of building outside his calling.Daniel reveals what he’d never do again—not just in business, but in life. Susan and Daniel talk about the tension between growth and ego, how spiritual misalignment derails even the best intentions, and why clarity matters more than momentum. This isn’t about theory—it’s about the real cost of building the wrong thing for the wrong reasons.About Daniel Bussius:Daniel Bussius is an award-winning marketing strategist, best-selling author, and founder of Built by Love®. He’s advised Fortune 100s, celebrities, and high-growth startups, generating $50M+ in client revenue. Creator of the Marketing RAMP® system and author of Marketing Built By Love, Daniel helps brands build trust, scale impact, and market with heart.Connect with Daniel:Website: https://danielbussius.com/LinkedIn: @danielbussius/About Susan Sly:  Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.Connect With Susan:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thepause.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://susansly.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trusted Partners:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.susansly.com/trustedpartners⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠:⁠⁠⁠@susansly⁠⁠⁠

What happens when success looks good on paper but feels empty? Clara Capano opens up about why she walked away from a lucrative six-figure opportunity—because it didn’t align with her values,  vision, or role as a mom. In this episode, Clara and Susan unpack what it takes to lead with clarity—and how that decision became the start of greater purpose, profit, and peace. Clara shares the intentional planning system she uses to set goals, stay accountable, and create freedom through structure—an approach that ultimately became the foundation for her trademarked CLARATY™ Success Method. You’ll learn how to use clarity as your checks-and-balances filter to align decisions with your vision and build a business that reflects who you truly are.About Clara Capano:Clara Capano is a speaker, author, and founder of the CLARATY™  Success Method—helping leaders shift from burnout to balance. A business owner and single mom, her journey from overwhelm to clarity fuels her mission to empower others to lead with purpose, focus, and impact. She’s also Executive Director of the You Are My Light Foundation, supporting survivors of human trafficking.Connect with Clara:Website: https://www.claracapano.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claracapano/About Susan Sly:Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.Connect With Susan:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thepause.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://susansly.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Trusted Partners:⁠ ⁠https://www.susansly.com/trustedpartners⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠:⁠⁠@susansly⁠⁠

Sally Mueller helped shape the modern retail experience—leading iconic designer collaborations and category reinventions during her 25-year career at Target. Now, she’s co-founder and CEO of Womaness, a fast-growing brand breaking the silence around menopause and empowering women in midlife. In this raw conversation, Susan Sly and Sally unpack what it takes to pivot from powerhouse executive to startup co-founder, pitch 40+ VCs in a pandemic, and scale into national retailers like Walmart, GNC and Ulta Beauty. This isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement. If you’re building something bold, this episode is your blueprint.About Sally:Sally Mueller is the Co-founder and CEO of Womaness, a brand changing the conversation around women’s healthy aging with innovative products that offer solutions from head to toe—and everything in between. A consummate business builder, Sally specializes in retail and brand innovation. Her trend-forecasting expertise has benefited companies such as Target, Who What Wear, and VERSED skincare. She spent over two decades at Target Corporation, beginning in Apparel Merchandising and later moving into Marketing. Recognized as an industry leader, Sally is known for her business acumen across the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle sectors.Connect with Sally:Website: www.womaness.comInstagram: @mywomanessInstagram: @thesallymLinkedIn: Sally-MuellerLinkedIn: WomanessAbout Susan Sly:Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.Connect With Susan:Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://thepause.ai/⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://susansly.com⁠⁠⁠Trusted Partners: ⁠https://www.susansly.com/trustedpartners⁠LinkedIn⁠:⁠⁠@susansly⁠⁠

After a devastating snowmobile accident at 40 mph that left him with 18 broken bones and punctured lungs, Navy SEAL Commander and CEO Mark Divine knew something had to change—not just in his body, but in his leadership. In this powerful episode, Mark joins Susan Sly to share how the crash became a defining turning point: dismantling outdated business models, releasing toxic partnerships, and rebuilding every aspect of his life with radical alignment. From breathwork and trauma recovery to CEO clarity and spiritual recalibration, this is a masterclass in transforming adversity into authentic, purpose-driven growth.About Mark:Mark Divine, Ph.D., is a retired Navy SEAL Commander, leadership expert, and New York Times bestselling author. With over 30 years of experience in Zen meditation and breathwork, he integrates mental toughness and holistic development in his teachings. His latest book, Uncommon, offers insights into achieving personal excellence through his “warrior monk” philosophy.Connect with Mark:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdivineWebsite: markdivine.comAbout Susan Sly:Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.Connect With Susan:Website: ⁠⁠https://thepause.ai/⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠https://susansly.com⁠⁠Trusted Partners: https://www.susansly.com/trustedpartnersLinkedIn:⁠⁠@susansly⁠

In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, Susan Sly sits down with David Young—founder of Federated Computer and the visionary behind Joyent, the cloud infrastructure company that powered Twitter and Tumblr before its $170M acquisition by Samsung.David shares an unfiltered account of building innovative cloud technology, losing his company due to personal struggles, and rebuilding his life through endurance sports and a renewed entrepreneurial mission. Now, with Federated, he is challenging Big Tech’s dominance by helping startups protect their data, cut software costs, and scale with open-source solutions.Susan and David explore the future of open source, cloud innovation, startup resilience, and what it truly takes for founders to recover, rebuild, and lead on their own terms.Whether you are a founder, investor, or navigating your next chapter, this episode will challenge, inspire, and equip you with the mindset and tools to rise stronger than ever.About David Young:David Young is a pioneer in cloud computing and the founder of Joyent, the company behind early infrastructure powering Twitter, LinkedIn, and Tumblr. He helped invent technologies like Node.js and cloud-based virtual machines. Now, as founder of Federated Computer, he’s focused on open-source solutions that help startups scale securely and break free from Big Tech.Connect with David:Website https://www.federated.computer/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidpaulyoung/About Susan Sly:Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.Connect With Susan:Website ⁠https://susansly.com⁠Website ⁠https://thepause.ai/⁠LinkedIn ⁠@susansly

What happens when visibility doesn’t automatically lead to a business? For Kirpa Sudick — former contestant on The Bachelor Season 23 — the next step was clear: build a brand rooted in purpose and long-term value.In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, Susan Sly speaks with Kirpa about how she transitioned from public figure to business owner, scaling a coaching brand with authenticity, content strategy, and operational discipline. They explore how to build trust in a noisy market, the role of AI in supporting productivity, and why emotional clarity matters for sustainable growth.If you’re building a business around your message, this episode offers clear, tactical insights for creating momentum and staying aligned as you scale.About Kirpa Sudick:Kirpa Sudick is a spiritual content creator, intuitive guide, and manifestation coach helping others break free from limiting beliefs and step into their highest selves. With a background in transformational work and a deep understanding of consciousness, she blends humor, relatability, and profound insights to make spirituality accessible and empowering. Through her content on TikTok and Instagram, she shares wisdom on intuition, manifestation, and breaking free from the matrix, inspiring thousands to rewrite their realities. Her mission is to help others embody their power, trust the unseen, and manifest effortlessly—while keeping it real, fun, and expansive.Connect with Kirpa:Instagram: @kirpasudickTikTok: @kirpa_sudickAbout Susan Sly:Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.Connect With Susan:Website https://susansly.comWebsite https://thepause.ai/LinkedIn @susansly

In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, Susan Sly sits down with John Worthington, founder of Sircles —a social recommendation app that raised over $1M in just six days on WeFunder and is on a mission to disrupt the Yelp model.They get candid about the real cost of building a startup, leading through chaos, and the emotional resilience required to scale. John shares his personal ‘why,’ how Sircles is creating a platform rooted in trust—not reviews—and why a community-first ethos is their greatest strategic advantage. If you’re raising capital, facing founder fatigue, or building something from the ground up, this is your strategic pause. About John Worthington:John Worthington is a serial entrepreneur who’s built and scaled multiple businesses from the ground up. He’s the founder and CEO of Sircles, one of the most successful crowdfunded startups in tech without VC backing. His “Riding the Escalator” strategy has redefined how startups grow, turning investors into loyal users and brand advocates.Connect with John:Website: https://sircles.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sircles/About Susan Sly:Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.Connect With Susan:Website https://susansly.comWebsite https://thepause.ai/LinkedIn @susansly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, host Susan Sly sits down with Hikari Senju, Founder of Omneky, to discuss his journey from a creative childhood to scaling innovative startups. Hikari dives into his early entrepreneurial experiences, the rise of generative AI, and how AI is transforming advertising. He also reveals the challenges of raising capital—having pitched to hundreds of investors—the power of networking, and how introverts can thrive in business. Susan and Hikari break down the realities of acquisitions, the importance of finding the right investors, and the vision behind Omneky. This episode is packed with real-world insights on building, funding, and scaling a business in the AI era.About Hikari Senju:Hikari Senju is a computer science graduate from Harvard University with a passion for technology and design. He founded his first startup, QuickHelp, an on-demand tutoring app, which he later sold to Yup.com and became their Head of Growth. During his time at Yup.com, Senju observed inefficiencies in content spending and the potential of AI in advertising, which inspired him to establish Omneky in 2018. Senju’s background in computer science, entrepreneurship, and his experience with AI technologies led him to create Omneky, an AI platform that generates, analyzes, and optimizes personalized ad creatives at scale.Connect with Hikari:Website https://www.omneky.com/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hikari-senju-63780199/About Susan Sly:Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.Connect With Susan:Website https://susansly.comWebsite https://thepause.ai/LinkedIn @susansly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, Susan Sly sits down with Susan Groeneveld, Founder of Sylvester.ai, to discuss the bold pivot that reshaped her AI startup. Initially launched as a B2C pet health platform, Susan made the strategic decision to shift to B2B, securing key contracts to expand into veterinary clinics and successfully raising funding in today’s tough investment climate.Susan G shares practical insights on raising venture capital, the unique challenges female founders face, and how to attract the right investors. She also dives into AI’s impact on pet health, the power of strategic pivots, and why founders must think bigger to scale successfully.If you're an entrepreneur navigating AI, health tech, or pet care, this episode is filled with actionable strategies to help you scale, secure funding, and build a high-growth business.About Susan Groeneveld:Susan Groeneveld is a serial entrepreneur specializing in agriculture, animal health, and AI-driven technology. With 25 years of experience, she has led commercialization for global companies, co-founded an award-winning marketing agency, and launched Sylvester.ai, an AI platform transforming pet health. A 2023 top 5 finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year in Women in AI, Susan is a leader in innovation, scaling startups, and tackling global challenges in agriculture and veterinary care.Connect with Susan Groeneveld:Website https://www.sylvester.ai/LinkedIn   @susangroeneveldabInstagram @sylvester_tech/About Susan Sly:Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.Connect With Susan:Website https://susansly.comWebsite https://thepause.ai/LinkedIn @susansly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI is shaking up industries, but what does it mean for female founders in today’s challenging funding environment? In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, Susan Sly sits down with five-time entrepreneur Melinda Wittstock—AI innovator, venture partner, and CEO of Podopolo. They break down the impact of AI disruptors like DeepSeek, the funding freeze on U.S. grants, and why women-led startups deliver higher returns yet still struggle for capital. Melinda shares raw insights on hiring, scaling, and staying scrappy in tough times. If you’re a founder navigating today’s startup landscape, this episode is a must-listen.About Melinda Wittstock:Melinda Wittstock is a 5-time entrepreneur, AI innovator, and Founder and CEO of Podopolo, the AI and blockchain-powered podcast platform revolutionizing discovery, engagement, and monetization. Honored as 2024’s “AI Pioneer of the Year,” she also invests in women-led startups as a venture partner at Zero Limits Capital. A former award-winning journalist for the BBC, Times of London, and CNBC, she created a BBC TV show reaching 20 million viewers and was praised by Steve Jobs for her interviewing skills. Melinda hosts Wings of Inspired Business, empowering female founders to succeed without tradeoffs.Connect with Melinda:Website: https://melindawittstock.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindawittstockAbout Susan Sly:Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.Connect With Susan:Website https://susansly.comWebsite https://thepause.ai/LinkedIn @susansly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kaylee Lieffers, Co-Founder and CEO of Blanka, shares how she built a top Shopify beauty app that helps entrepreneurs launch private-label brands—without holding inventory.  From bootstrapping and startup struggles to funding, hiring, and overcoming imposter syndrome, Kaylee reveals key lessons in scaling a tech business. A must-listen for founders, startup leaders, and e-commerce entrepreneurs!About Kaylee Lieffers:Kaylee's journey is a compelling narrative of transition and entrepreneurship. Formerly immersed in the world of management consulting, she took a bold leap into the startup realm, venturing into the competitive landscape of e-commerce. Her personal experiences navigating the challenges of launching her own business eventually led her to co-found Blanka. In less than two years, Blanka became one of the top performing apps in the Shopify App Store, won BC Tech’s Startup of the Year, and today has helped over 25,000 entrepreneurs start their businesses. Her unwavering commitment to innovation and empowering other entrepreneurs has earned her a number of awards including Top 30 Under 30 and Top Female Founders to Watch in Canada. Kaylee has generously provided a special discount for our listeners!  Use code RAWANDREAL to get 10% off your first sample order with Blanka!Connect with Kaylee:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleelieffers/Website: https://blankabrand.com/  Tiktok: @blanka_brandInstagram: @/blankabrand/About Susan Sly:Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.Connect With Susan:Website https://susansly.comWebsite https://thepause.ai/LinkedIn @susansly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Raw and Real Entrepreneurship episode, host Susan Sly sits down with Cody Schneider, Co-Founder of Swell AI. Together, they explore the dynamic landscape of startups, highlighting the rising trend of remote work and the power of global talent pools. Cody shares invaluable insights on scaling companies through innovative strategies like podcasting, live courses, and social media, emphasizing the critical role of community building.Explore the transformative impact of AI on media and marketing, as Susan and Cody discuss practical marketing strategies and the significance of leveraging expert knowledge and brand voice. Cody reveals his tried-and-tested methods for achieving page one of Google overnight and provides a glimpse into the evolving content creation process powered by AI. Learn from real-world examples, including success stories of tech startups leveraging AI tools and remote teams to drive exponential growth. Cody discusses the success of AI-powered platforms in content marketing and the potential ban of TikTok.For entrepreneurs seeking to harness the power of AI, create impactful content, and navigate the ever-evolving startup world with confidence and strategic foresight, this episode is an indispensable resource. It offers timely insights and practical strategies that can help entrepreneurs stay ahead in today's dynamic business environment. About Cody: Cody Schneider is a serial entrepreneur and innovator in AI-powered content marketing. As Founder of Draft Horse AI and Swell AI, he has helped numerous companies exponentially grow their businesses by leveraging AI to automate content production workflows. Named one of Business.com's Top 25 Marketers to Watch, Cody gained his experience helping scale startups from the ground up through strategic content strategies.Connect with CodyWebsite: swellai.comLinkedIn: @codyxschneiderAbout Susan: Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, sought after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence. Dive deep into the essence of success with Susan Sly, and redefine your entrepreneurial journey.Connect With SusanWebsite: https://susansly.comWebsite: https://thepause.ai/LinkedIn: @susansly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, Susan Sly chats with Jasmine Bhatti, a Registered Nurse and founder of Navi Nurses, about her journey from COVID unit nurse to healthcare innovator. Learn how Jasmine bootstrapped her company, scaled to 200+ nurses, and disrupted the industry with patient-focused care. She shares insights on finding clients, building a team, and managing stress.Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, Jasmine’s story will inspire you to take the leap and build your dream business.About Jasmine: Jasmine Bhatti, RN, is the founder and CEO of Navi Nurses, a rapidly growing private-duty nursing company redefining at-home care through client empowerment, engagement, and education. With 12 years of nursing experience at Barrow Neurological Institute and the Mayo Clinic, Jasmine saw critical gaps in care during transitions from hospital to home and launched Navi Nurses in 2021 to bridge those gaps and reduce hospital readmissions.Currently pursuing a PhD in Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University, Jasmine also holds a master’s in regulatory science and health safety from ASU and a bachelor’s in nursing from Grand Canyon University.Connect With Jasmine:Website: https://navinurses.com/LinkedIn: @jasminecbhatti/Navi Nurses LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navinurses Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.Connect With Susan:Website https://susansly.comWebsite https://thepause.ai/LinkedIn @susansly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inspiring episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, host Susan Sly sits down with Gregory Shepard, founder of BOSS Capital Partners, serial entrepreneur, and author of The Startup Life Cycle. Gregory shares insights from his groundbreaking research, including interviews with 1,200 founders, and highlights the phases where startups are most vulnerable—and how founders can navigate these challenges to achieve the ultimate goal: a successful exit.Susan and Gregory dive into the systemic biases faced by women and marginalized founders, the grit it takes to overcome these obstacles, and how celebrating small wins is crucial for entrepreneurial success. From marathon swimming and shark dives to Gregory’s ticket to space, they also explore what it means to push limits and embrace fearless leadership.Gregory Shepard has built and sold 12 businesses in BioTech, TransitTech, AdTech and MarTech. He is a Forbes book author and contributor, and has been featured or quoted in publications like Fortune, Entrepreneur, The New York Observer, The DEAL, and Thrive Global. A recipient of four private equity awards for transactions between $250M to $1B, Greg has appeared on TV, radio, and popular podcasts, and been featured as a TEDx and keynote speaker at multiple universities and conferences worldwide.Connect with Gregory:Website: www.gregoryshepard.comLinkedIn: @gregshepard/Book: https://www.amazon.com/Startup-Lifecycle-Definitive-Guide-Building/dp/1637744323Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.Connect With Susan:Website https://susansly.comWebsite https://thepause.ai/LinkedIn @susansly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, Susan Sly sits down with Morgan Kline, Co-Founder of Burn Boot Camp. Morgan shares her inspiring story of transitioning from parking lot boot camps to leading a thriving fitness franchise with over 400 locations and a best-selling book. The conversation touches on: Entrepreneurship & Career Transition: Morgan recounts how she left her corporate job to follow her passion, leveraging her experience to build a successful business. Navigating Marriage & Business: Susan and Morgan address the challenges and strategies of balancing professional and personal growth, especially when working with a spouse. They stress the importance of effective communication and updating their relationship "contract." Fitness & Women's Empowerment: Morgan highlights Burn Bootcamp's mission to empower individuals through fitness, nutrition, and mindset, sharing stories of transformation and the holistic approach of their program. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tips for entrepreneurship, personal growth, and community building. Morgan Kline, Co-Founder & CEO of the Burn Boot Camp Franchise. Morgan Kline is the Co-Founder and CEO of Burn Boot Camp. Growing up in Battle Creek, MI, she initially pursued a corporate career at Kellogg Company. However, her true passion for helping others achieve their health and fitness goals led her to co-found Burn Boot Camp with Devan in 2012. This venture has enabled Morgan to share her passion for healthy living and realize her potential. As a mother of three, she understands the challenges women face in prioritizing their well-being and is dedicated to empowering them through Burn Boot Camp.Connect with MorganWebsite https://burnbootcamp.com/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-kline-0ab49758/Instagram @morgan.a.kline Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence. Connect With SusanWebsite https://susansly.comWebsite https://thepause.ai/LinkedIn @susansly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Raw and Real Entrepreneurship episode, Susan Sly talks to Karen Gordon, Founder of Simpli5. Karen shares her journey from managing a thriving business with $1 million in monthly revenue to navigating that customer's bankruptcy. Her story highlights the importance of perseverance and strategic pivoting.Karen shares the practical implications of cognitive diversity. She discusses the importance of understanding one's strengths and actively seeking out and surrounding oneself with diverse individuals who possess complementary skills and perspectives. She explains this is the key to building high-performing teams that foster collaboration and innovation.Karen and Susan discuss balancing work and family responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout and the role of flexibility in fostering a supportive work environment. Karen shares her experience managing her company while dealing with her daughter and husband's cancer diagnoses. They also address gender disparities in entrepreneurship, particularly women's challenges in securing funding.Tune in to be inspired by Karen's resilience and gain actionable insights on leading with passion, embracing flexibility, and harnessing the power of diverse teams to drive high performance.Karen Gordon, Co-Founder, President, and CEO of Simpli5, is a visionary leader dedicated to transforming workplace cultures through collaboration and team performance. Recognized as a two-time Inc. 500 Honoree and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist, Karen's expertise is featured in top publications like The CEO Magazine and Huffington Post. Her TEDx talk on "The Myth of Difficult People" highlights her thought leadership in navigating complex workplace dynamics. Under her guidance, Simpli5 partners with Fortune 500 companies, universities, and healthcare organizations to promote cognitive diversity and productivity.Connect with KarenWebsite https://www.simpli5.com/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-wright-gordon-1937a66Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, a sought-after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence. Dive deep into the essence of success with Susan Sly and redefine your entrepreneurial journey.Connect With SusanWebsite https://susansly.comWebsite https://thepause.ai/LinkedIn @susansly

Ever wondered how a kid selling coloring books door-to-door could end up co-founding one of the hottest plant-based protein drink brands? In this Raw and Real Entrepreneurship episode, Susan Sly sits down with Chris Hunter, the unstoppable force behind KOIA. From hustling coloring book pictures in Youngstown, Ohio, to navigating the chaos of Four Loko, to breaking into major retailers like Starbucks with KOIA, Chris's journey is nothing short of extraordinary.Chris opens up about his early entrepreneurial sparks, the financial hurdles he faced, and the resilience it took to turn his side hustles into full-blown successes. We dive deep into his innovative approach to parenting, raising kids who are already budding entrepreneurs, and the critical role of mentorship and sustainable business practices in his journey.But it's not all smooth sailing. Chris shares his raw and real experiences of dealing with regulatory crackdowns, managing towering debts, and the therapeutic process of writing his book. This episode is packed with insights on authenticity, perseverance, and learning from every misstep.Whether you're an established entrepreneur or just dipping your toes into the business world, Chris Hunter's story is a powerful reminder that with grit, hustle, and a bit of chaos management, you can turn your wildest dreams into reality. Tune in for a dose of real-talk entrepreneurship that's as inspiring as it is enlightening.About Chris: Chris Hunter is a powerhouse in the beverage industry, known for his innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. He's the mastermind behind several hit beverage brands, including Four Loko, Koia, and Not Your Father's Root Beer. As the co-founder of Koia, Chris has driven the company to $100M in annual sales, securing spots in Whole Foods, Sprouts, 7-Eleven, and Starbucks. His memoir, Blackout Punch, reveals the gripping story of his journey and the lessons he's learned along the way.Connect with Chris:Website https://drinkkoia.comLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-hunter-890a2315/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/koia/About Susan: Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, sought after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence. Dive deep into the essence of success with Susan Sly, and redefine your entrepreneurial journey.Connect With SusanX @SusanslyliveLinkedIn @susanslyWebsite https://susansly.com/Website https://thepause.ai/

In this raw and riveting episode of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship Podcast, Susan Sly sits down with Nick Fogle, the resilient founder of Churnkey, to unpack the gritty truth of turning financial chaos into entrepreneurial gold. Their conversation dives deep into the whirlwind journey from crippling student loans to groundbreaking business success, offering a masterclass in transforming burdens into opportunities.Nick peels back the curtain on how he juggled a staggering $250k in student debt while kickstarting his law firm and, later, diving headlong into the tech world. From mowing lawns to coding innovative software, Nick's path is anything but conventional. He shares how understanding the hard numbers and embracing creative risks propelled him from a broke lawyer to a tech maven at a publicly traded company.Susan and Nick discuss the relentless challenges of entrepreneurship, from battling high churn rates to mastering work-life balance while raising a family. They reveal personal strategies for coping with stress, emphasizing the game-changing role of therapy and the power of investing in oneself despite financial strain.Whether you're buried in debt, struggling to scale your business, or need real-world wisdom, this episode is your guide to harnessing adversity. Tune in to hear how Nick's journey of self-discovery and bold moves led him to survive and thrive, selling his company for a mid-seven-figure sum and setting the stage for his next big venture. Discover the unfiltered truths about debt, risk-taking, and the entrepreneurial spirit that refuses to quit.About Nick Fogle: Nick, the Founder and CEO of Churnkey, has an inspiring journey from a struggling attorney buried in student debt to a successful entrepreneur. Overcoming adversity, he taught himself to code while driving a shuttle bus for minimum wage and eventually rose to lead engineer at a publicly traded software company. Nick's relentless dedication led to the creation of Wavve, a SaaS business, which he later sold for a mid-7 figure sum in 2021. Drawing from his experiences, he launched Churnkey, leveraging his expertise in retention strategies to revolutionize customer retention solutions. Nick's remarkable story exemplifies resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit.Connect With Nick:LinkedIn @nickfogleWebsite https://churnkey.co/About Susan Sly: Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, sought after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence. Dive deep into the essence of success with Susan Sly, and redefine your entrepreneurial journey.Connect With SusanX @SusanslyliveLinkedIn @susanslyWebsite https://susansly.com/

Join Susan Sly, Raw and Real Entrepreneurship host, as she interviews Kevin Bibelhausen, the mastermind behind Fruition Capital and Heritage Fabrics. This isn't your typical business chat; it's a deep dive into the mechanics of buying and selling businesses, focusing on the crucial role of cash flow and profitability.Kevin opens up about his unlikely path from opera singing to dominating the business acquisition game. He breaks down the nuts and bolts of navigating business purchases with minimal initial know-how, from deciphering balance sheets to wrangling SBA loans and rallying investors. He shares his strategic maneuvers in investment, targeting growth-stage companies, and how to cultivate investor relationships to boost business growth skillfully.The conversation also gets honest about the mental grind and emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, giving you a candid look at the personal challenges of raising capital and juggling multiple business ventures. This episode is packed with critical insights into the strategies, pitfalls, and triumphs of navigating the business landscape while keeping your personal and professional growth at full throttle. About Kevin BibelhausenKevin Bibelhausen is an investor, business owner, and consultant specializing in digital strategy & operations. He's a sought-after conference speaker, podcast guest, and author, passionate about professionalizing SMB acquisitions. Kevin founded Fruition Capital, which invests in SMB acquisition deals. With an MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business, he brings over a decade of experience in corporate technology and operations leadership. Kevin's journey from a near-fatal health challenge to small business ownership reflects his dedication to entrepreneurship. Connect With KevinLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bibelhausen/X https://twitter.com/bibelhausenWebsite https://bibelhausen.com/Website https://heritagefabrics.comAbout Susan SlySusan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, sought after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence. Dive deep into the essence of success with Susan Sly, and redefine your entrepreneurial journey.Connect With SusanX @SusanslyliveLinkedIn @susanslyWebsite https://susansly.com/

In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, Susan Sly pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to be a founder in the tech industry, challenging the notion that deep coding skills are a prerequisite for creating successful tech products.From her journey as an Award-Winning AI entrepreneur and her education at MIT, Susan shares four practical strategies for taking a Minimum Marketable Product (MMP) to market. She discusses the importance of validating market demand early and highlights how a hybrid in-house and external development model balances cost-effectiveness and control. Susan emphasizes the value of outsourcing to development shops while cautioning against potential pitfalls such as project delays and loss of control.Throughout the episode, Susan draws on her experiences in AI, stressing the need for entrepreneurs to understand the technical landscape and environment essential for AI solutions to thrive. She recounts her own journey in computer vision and generative AI, underlining how curiosity, continuous learning, and a grasp of ethical concerns are crucial for success. Susan offers guidance for navigating this complex field, advocating for self-education through courses, and surrounding oneself with a supportive team of experts.Whether scribbling down business ideas on your lunch break or gearing up for your next big venture, this episode will fuel your entrepreneurial fire and equip you with the knowledge to step boldly into the tech scene.About Susan:Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, sought after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence. Dive deep into the essence of success with Susan Sly, and redefine your entrepreneurial journey.Connect With Susan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susansly/X: @susanslyliveFacebook: @susanslyliveInstagram: @susansly

Join Susan Sly in this dynamic episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, featuring renowned public speaking expert and bestselling author Terri Sjodin. With over two decades of experience electrifying audiences and consulting for top corporations, CEOs, and Members of the U.S. Congress, Terri brings her sassy, fresh, and insightful expertise directly to you.In this episode, explore the powerful strategies from Terri's latest book, "Presentation Ready: Improve Your Sales Presentation Outcomes and Avoid the Twelve Most Common Mistakes." Learn how these tactics can help entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls, crafting polished and persuasive pitches that resonate deeply with any audience.Discover how Terri redefines persuasive pitching with Monroe's Motivated Sequence, providing listeners with a transformative step-by-step framework to revolutionize their presentation skills. Learn how to empower yourself and enhance your presentation delivery with Terri's practical and actionable advice. Her exercises, like video scrimmages, are designed to refine your approach and boost your confidence. This episode is a masterclass in speaking, selling, and succeeding. Whether you're preparing for your next big pitch or looking to revitalize your business strategies, Susan and Terri provide the insights and inspiration you need to succeed.About Terri SjodinTerri L. Sjodin is the founder of Sjodin Communications. For over 25 years she has served as a speaker and consultant. Sjodin was inducted into the National Speakers Association CPAE Speakers Halls of Fame..  Terri is a New York Times bestselling author, an award-winning speaker, a popular LinkedIn Learning Instructor, and a frequent guest on radio and television talk shows, appearing on The Today Show, Bloomberg, CNN, CNBC, and many industry podcasts.Connect With Terri Website https://www.sjodincommunications.com/LinkedIn @terrisjodinBook https://www.sjodincommunications.com/presentationready/About Susan SlySusan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, sought after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence. Dive deep into the essence of success with Susan Sly, and redefine your entrepreneurial journey.Connect With SusanX @SusanslyliveLinkedIn @susanslyWebsite https://susansly.com/

Join Susan Sly and Jeffrey Hayzlett, Founder of C-Suite Network, on Raw and Real Entrepreneurship for a dynamic conversation on entrepreneurial success. Jeffrey was the CMO of Kodak before leaving to launch his global media empire. A serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, innovator, and well-known media personality, Jeffrey has literally written the book on how to create results.In this episode, Jeffrey shares practical insights on the difference between achievers and those who fail to gain traction. Jeffrey shares his tips on getting into action, maintaining tenacity, and overcoming obstacles in entrepreneurship.Susan and Jeffrey discuss Kodak's failure to adapt and how this trap can affect any entrepreneur.The conversation touches on the timely topic of AI's impact and the pressing need for ethical guidelines, providing forward-looking perspectives on technology.Susan adds personal stories of resilience and growth, advocating for authenticity and vulnerability in leadership.Tune in for a captivating dialogue on entrepreneurship, innovation, AI, and personal growth. About JeffreyJeffrey Hayzlett is a renowned global business celebrity, best-selling author of four business books, including "The Hero Factor," and Chairman of C-Suite Network. He hosts primetime TV shows like "C-Suite with Jeffrey Hayzlett" and "Executive Perspectives" and his business podcast "All Business" on C-Suite Radio. Hayzlett is a top keynote speaker and expert cited in major publications like Forbes and SUCCESS, and he has appeared on networks like Bloomberg and MSNBC. He's known for his strategic leadership, marketing expertise, and mentorship in the C-Suite.Connect with JeffreyWebsite https://hayzlett.com/LinkedIn @hayzlettX @JeffreyHayzlettPodcast https://t.co/JDY9JRcOExC-Suite Network https://c-suitenetwork.com/About Susan SlySusan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, sought after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence. Dive deep into the essence of success with Susan Sly, and redefine your entrepreneurial journey. Connect With SusanX @SusanslyliveX @rawandrealentr1LinkedIn @susanslyWebsite https://susansly.com/

Get ready to immerse yourself in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, real estate, and economic insights. Join Susan as she sits down for a captivating conversation with serial entrepreneur and trailblazing product designer Andrew Borovsky, Co-Founder of Visible.   Andrew's journey from the corridors of Adobe and Apple to his current role as a seasoned entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, he takes us through his extensive career, sharing valuable insights gained from navigating the tumultuous waters of the 2008 financial crisis and his experiences at renowned companies such as Cadre, and Square.   Discover how these experiences have shaped Andrew's entrepreneurial path, influenced his innovative thinking, and developed his problem-solving mindset. But that's not all – Andrew's groundbreaking venture, Visible, is revolutionizing the real estate and rental landscape.   Through innovative solutions like Rent App, Visible is addressing critical issues such as rent payment collections, credit enhancement for renters, and simplifying real estate transactions. Andrew shares his wisdom as he discusses the power of storytelling in pitching ideas and draws inspiration from industry icons like Steve Jobs and Jack Dorsey.   Join us for a thought-provoking journey filled with entrepreneurial insights, real estate innovations, and strategies for overcoming obstacles. About Andrew Borovosky: Andrew Borovsky is a veteran product designer and serial entrepreneur with a track record of building impactful products. Andrew held executive leadership roles at Cash App, Cadre, and Square and co-founded 80/20 (acquired by Square). Before that, he was a principal designer at Apple and Adobe. Visible was founded by veteran executives formerly at Cash App, Square, Apple, Adobe, and Dropbox. We are leveraging decades of experience in fintech to build a financial network specifically for real estate. Our first product, Rent App – is the best way to pay or collect rent. Direct bank-to-bank transfers, no fees or limits, and the ability to build credit.   Connect with Andrew: Visible Website https://visible.xyz/ X https://twitter.com/vsbl_xyz Linkedin @andrewborovsky   About Susan Sly Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, sought after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence. Dive deep into the essence of success with Susan Sly, and redefine your entrepreneurial journey.   Connect With Susan X @Susanslylive X @rawandrealentr1 LinkedIn @susansly Website https://susansly.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of "Raw and Real Entrepreneurship," Susan Sly has a dynamic conversation with Aimee Schuster, the founder of Bandwidth Strategy and a Josephine Collective angel network member. They discuss the challenges that women face in entrepreneurship and the importance of mentorship and support.    Aimee shares her journey from starting an eco-friendly business to becoming a fractional C-suite executive, emphasizing the value of risk tolerance and adaptability.    The discussion also covers the evolving landscape of work, the future of marketing in the age of AI, and the significance of building relationships for professional growth.    The episode is a blend of personal stories, professional insights, and a call to action for greater involvement of women in startups and angel investing.   About Aimee Schuster Aimee Schuster is an expert at marketing the invisible, having spent the last twenty-five years helping B2B organizations like Miller Heiman Group, DLA Piper and Homefinder.com build, advance and energize their lead generation programs. Aimee founded Bandwidth Strategy, a fractional CMO and COO consultancy, to help growth-stage organizations drive the right leads into the funnel that result in closed-won business. Aimee uses her experience and a bit of humor/improv (honed as a student at Second City) to create a common language among the all-too-often warring factions of sales and marketing. A go-to voice on sales-marketing alignment and workplace equity, her work has been featured in Fast Company and Business Insider.   Connect with Aimee LinkedIn @aimeehschuster Website https://www.bandwidthstrategy.com/   About Susan Sly Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, sought after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence. Dive deep into the essence of success with Susan Sly, and redefine your entrepreneurial journey.   Connect With Susan X @Susanslylive X @rawandrealentr1 LinkedIn @susansly Website https://susansly.com/Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the "Raw and Real Entrepreneurship" podcast, Susan Sly interviews Zackary Klima, the founder of WaitTime. Klima discusses his entrepreneurial journey, from the streets of Detroit to WaitTimes' Intel partnerships.    Zack shares insights from his early days, where he mastered communication and overcame fears in Detroit's business landscape. The conversation explores Detroit's challenges and Zack's passion for its revitalization, which shaped WaitTimes' mission to enhance customer experiences through technology.     Key moments underscore Zack’s perseverance, such as pitching to Dan Gilbert and joining a business accelerator with Intel. The episode showcases WaitTimes' collaboration with Intel, highlighting strategic partnerships and the role of technology in business expansion.    Join Susan and Zack for valuable lessons on tech frameworks, partnership optimization, and personal well-being, essential for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the road to success. About Zack Klima: Zachary Klima is the founder, CEO, and creator of WaitTime, a company that provides artificial intelligence solutions for crowd management and customer experience optimization. He has over nine years of experience in leading the global implementation strategy of WaitTime, overseeing partnerships with major sports, entertainment, and hospitality organizations.   Klima conceived WaitTime in 2013 and was selected out of more than 500 applicants for participation in the rigorous Bizdom startup accelerator founded by Quicken Loan's renowned executive Dan Gilbert. Prior to WaitTime, he was in the field of architecture, design, and sales engineering, where he developed skills in marketing communications, new business development, and graphic design. He holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Detroit Mercy and has published a book and a patent on his innovative ideas. He is passionate about the gentrification of Detroit and the potential of AI to transform the world.   Connect with Zack: Website https://www.thewaittimes.com/ LinkedIn @zackklima LinkedIn @company/waittime   About Susan Sly: Susan Sly is the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, sought after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence. Dive deep into the essence of success with Susan Sly, and redefine your entrepreneurial journey.   Connect With Susan: Twitter @Susanslylive LinkedIn @susansly Website https://susansly.com/       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Susan Sly for a captivating discussion with Andrew Bart, CEO and co-founder of Algo Face, as they probe into his entrepreneurial journey and unique approach.   Andrew's story spans from balancing a business part-time with a full-time C-suite role to turning personal loss into a successful venture, showcasing resilience and positivity.   Discover the power of networking, family values, and organic community building as Andrew shares insights from his 15-year journey of hosting gatherings and connecting like-minded individuals.   Explore Algo Face's groundbreaking work in face AI solutions, which enable hyper-realistic digital avatars and vital sign detection.    Embrace the entrepreneurial spirit with Andrew's wisdom on staying grounded, fostering genuine connections, and serving others while making magic happen in business.   About Andrew Bart: Andrew has 20 years of experience as an early and growth stage C-Suite executive focused on business development, strategic partnerships, venture building, and scaling technology organizations.   Andrew’s career highlights include serving on the startup team at iCrossing (exited to Hearst $325MM), bootstrapping a Supply Chain MarTech venture from ideation to exit, operating a 50+ technology venture portfolio spanning six continents, serving as a lead investor and growth executive at ClearVoice (exited to FIVERR $600MM IPO), and serving as growth executive of InterPayments (acquired by InterPrivate). Andrew graduated with honors from Arizona State University.   Connect with Andrew:   Website algoface.ai Linkedin @andrew-bart-4a904041/   About Susan Sly:   Susan Sly is a Tech Co-founder and Co-CEO, a tech investor, best-selling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the highly acclaimed podcast – Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. Susan has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime Television, The CBN, The Morning Show in Australia and been quoted in MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and more. She holds Certificates in Management and Leadership, Technology and Operations, and Strategy and Innovation from MIT. Susan is the author of 7 books. Her book project with NY Times Best Selling Author, Jack Canfield, made six Amazon Best Selling lists.   Connect With Susan: Twitter @Susanslylive Twitter @rawandrealentr1 LinkedIn @susansly Facebook @susanslylive Website https://susansly.com/     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this empowering episode of the "Raw and Real Entrepreneurship" podcast, Susan Sly engages in a candid conversation with Lisa Marceau, the Co-Founder of Joyuus. Lisa and her dedicated team aim to bridge the gap in maternal care, offering solutions for diverse populations in women's postpartum health and Femtech innovation.   Throughout the episode, Susan and Lisa share their personal experiences with gender bias and the challenges they face in fundraising, shedding light on the imperative need for inclusivity in the entrepreneurial landscape.   Their conversation extends to navigating uncertainties, juggling multiple roles as founders, setting boundaries, and the pivotal role of collaboration and networking. Lisa reframes the approach to networking, emphasizing its value-driven and energizing nature.   This episode is for entrepreneurs eager to learn more about increased accessibility in startups, uncovering the ways to leverage their business superpower and make a meaningful impact in the world.   About Lisa Marceau: Lisa Marceau is an experienced professional in the field of health and fem tech. She founded Alpha Millennial Health to help companies adapt to the changing health and work environment. Her work in maternal and women's health led to the founding of Joyuus, a digital health program for new moms. Lisa has a master’s in public health from Boston University and a Professional MBA Certificate from Bryant University. She has won numerous industry awards and presents workshops on startup funding. She is committed to bringing equity to the health journey and welcomes collaboration.   Connect With Lisa: Website www.alphamhealth.com  Website www.joyuus.com LinkedIn @lisamarceau LinkedIn @company/joyuus About Susan Sly: Susan Sly is a Tech Co-founder and Co-CEO, a tech investor, best-selling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the highly acclaimed podcast – Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. Susan has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime Television, The CBN, The Morning Show in Australia and been quoted in MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and more. She holds Certificates in Management and Leadership, Technology and Operations, and Strategy and Innovation from MIT. Susan is the author of 7 books. Her book project with NY Times Best Selling Author, Jack Canfield, made six Amazon Best Selling lists. Connect With Susan: Twitter @Susanslylive Twitter @rawandrealentr1 LinkedIn @susansly Facebook @susanslylive Website https://susansly.com/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive deep into the evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI) with host Susan Sly in a pivotal episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship: “The AI Tipping Point: Entrepreneurs at the Crossroads.” This thought-provoking episode unpacks the latest controversies shaking the foundation of AI development, including Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI for breaching its founding mission and the collective decision by tech giants to pause AI research. Discover the implications of these events for entrepreneurs navigating the AI revolution, and explore actionable strategies for integrating AI into your business ethically and effectively.   Join Susan as she discusses: The specifics of Musk’s legal battle with OpenAI and what it means for AI ethics and transparency. The reasons behind the global pause in AI development by leading organizations and its impact on the future of AI regulation. Cutting-edge statistics on AI’s growth, showcasing its rapid adoption across industries and highlighting the opportunities and challenges it presents to entrepreneurs. Expert advice on leveraging AI for innovation, operational efficiency, and building a resilient business model in the face of AI’s disruptive potential.     “Raw and Real Entrepreneurship” brings you unfiltered insights and strategies from the frontlines of the digital revolution. Whether you’re an AI startup founder, a tech entrepreneur, or simply fascinated by the transformative power of artificial intelligence, this episode is your guide to staying informed, adaptable, and ahead in the AI era.   Subscribe now and join Susan Sly on this enlightening journey through the intersection of AI and entrepreneurship. Let’s navigate the AI revolution together, fostering innovation while championing ethical practices in the dynamic landscape of AI development.   About Susan Sly:   Susan Sly is a Tech Co-founder and Co-CEO, a tech investor, best-selling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the highly acclaimed podcast – Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. Susan has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime Television, The CBN, The Morning Show in Australia and been quoted in MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and more. She holds Certificates in Management and Leadership, Technology and Operations, and Strategy and Innovation from MIT. Susan is the author of 7 books. Her book project with NY Times Best Selling Author, Jack Canfield, made six Amazon Best Selling lists.   Connect With Susan: Twitter @Susanslylive Twitter @rawandrealentr1 LinkedIn @susansly Facebook @susanslylive Website https://susansly.com/     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another powerful episode of "Raw and Real Entrepreneurship" hosted by Susan Sly. In this episode, Susan is joined by her daughter, Avery Sly, who serves as the Marketing Manager and Director of Brand Development at Agency 8. Together, they dive deep into LinkedIn and its powerful tool – newsletters.   Avery, a seasoned entrepreneurial social media expert, shares her expertise on why LinkedIn has become a priority for her agency, emphasizing its professional tone and the increasing popularity among business professionals. The episode focuses on LinkedIn newsletters, and Avery walks the listeners through the remarkable results she has achieved with her newsletter, "Unicorn Social."   Discover the secrets to optimizing your LinkedIn profile as Avery provides practical tips on profile and cover photos and creates attention-grabbing headlines. The discussion also highlights the role of AI tools, such as Microsoft Copilot, in crafting newsletter content while maintaining authenticity.   Join Susan and Avery as they explore the impact of consistent posting on LinkedIn, building trust, and establishing thought leadership in the professional networking space.    Whether you're a business owner or a professional looking to leverage LinkedIn, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable tips to enhance your presence on this dynamic platform.   About Avery Sly: Avery Sly is the Marketing Manager, Director of Brand Development  and Co-Founder at Agency 8, a digital marketing agency specializing in helping business owners and start-up founders succeed. In her role, Avery provides various social media management services and oversees a team of talented digital marketers. Avery works closely with her clients to help them achieve their marketing goals and works with various clients ranging from tech startups to car dealerships.   Avery emphasizes continuously honing her business skills and recently received a graduate certificate from MIT in Artificial Intelligence and its Implications for Business Strategy. Outside the office, Avery enjoys spending time with her cat Theo and dog Aero. Avery is also an automotive enthusiast and an avid foodie who is always searching for new recipes!   Connect With Avery: Website: www.agency8.com Instagram: @averysly LinkedIn: @averysly Tiktok: @drivewithaves   About Susan Sly: Susan Sly is a Tech Co-founder and Co-CEO, a tech investor, best-selling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the highly acclaimed podcast – Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. Susan has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime Television, The CBN, The Morning Show in Australia and been quoted in MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and more. She holds Certificates in Management and Leadership, Technology and Operations, and Strategy and Innovation from MIT. Susan is the author of 7 books. Her book project with NY Times Best Selling Author, Jack Canfield, made six Amazon Best Selling lists.   Connect With Susan: Twitter @Susanslylive Twitter @rawandrealentr1 LinkedIn @susansly Facebook @susanslylive Website https://susansly.com/   Join the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/rawandrealentrepreneursLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Susan Sly on the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship Podcast as she talks to Gregory Shepard, Co-Founder of BOSS Capital Partners, about his unconventional journey as an entrepreneur. Gregory's unique global perspective and challenging experiences set him apart from traditional C-suite executives.   In this episode, Gregory discusses the transformative power of entrepreneurship, starting over, and navigating neurodivergence in the business world. He shares his approach to tackling challenges, adapting to change, and building a supportive team.   With 20 years of experience as a startup veteran, 14 successful liquidity events, and key roles in a $925M transaction with four PE awards, Gregory is an impressive entrepreneur who believes in empowering young entrepreneurs and envisions a new era in angel investing deal-making.   Listen to Gregory's entrepreneurial journey, including importing Rubik's cubes and selling exotic pets. The episode is packed with insights and showcases Gregory Shepard's unwavering commitment to turning challenges into opportunities for growth and success.   About Gregory Shepard Greg is a 20 year startup veteran and serial entrepreneur with 14 liquidity events under his belt, two of which were sold as part of a $925M transaction that won 4 PE awards for transactions between $250M-$1B. A ForbesBooks author and has written over 100 articles published in 25 national and international publications. A TEDX speaker and keynote speaker for universities, associations and conferences worldwide. He is the Host of Meet The BOSS Forbes Radio show and has been featured as a guest on over 25 popular podcasts as well as numerous network TV and radio shows. Greg Co-Founded BOSS Capital Partners, a global syndicate for investing in tech startups worldwide. Greg Co-Founded BOSSStartupScience the learning center is based on Greg’s Business Operating Support System (BOSS) an open source methodology developed to empower entrepreneurs while increasing startup success rate.   Connect with Gregory Facebook @GregoryJShepard Instagram @gregshepard_ LinkedIn @gregshepard Twitter @GregShepard_ Website https://www.gregoryshepard.com/   About Susan Sly Susan Sly is a Tech Co-founder, a tech investor, best-selling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the highly acclaimed podcast – Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. Susan has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime Television, The CBN, The Morning Show in Australia and been quoted in MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and more. She holds Certificates in Management and Leadership, Technology and Operations, and Strategy and Innovation from MIT. Susan is the author of 7 books. Her book project with NY Times Best Selling Author, Jack Canfield, made six Amazon Best Selling lists.   Connect With Susan Twitter @Susanslylive Twitter @rawandrealentr1 LinkedIn @susansly Facebook @susanslylive Website https://susansly.com/ Join Susan's Insider’s List   https://susansly.com/insider/    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this empowering episode of ‘Raw and Real Entrepreneurship’, Susan Sly sits down with a remarkable guest, Susan Groeneveld, the visionary founder of Sylvester.ai. Get ready for a deep dive into entrepreneurship as Susan Groeneveld shares her inspiring journey of founding and leading Sylvester.ai, a cutting-edge company at the intersection of technology and predictive healthcare to improve animal health.   Susan Sly engages in a candid conversation with Susan Groeneveld, exploring the challenges and triumphs of building a business with a mission to make a positive impact. Discover the raw and real aspects of entrepreneurship, from the initial spark of an idea to navigating the complexities of the tech industry.   In this episode, listeners will gain valuable insights into the innovative work Sylvester.ai is doing in artificial intelligence and its application in veterinary medicine. Susan Groeneveld's passion for entrepreneurship and animal welfare shines through as she shares the story behind Sylvester.ai's mission to improve the lives of our furry friends.   Tune in for an authentic and enlightening conversation that delves into the heart of entrepreneurship, touching on the highs, lows, and everything in between. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business leader, or simply curious about the intersection of technology and a purpose-driven business,  this episode is a must-listen.   About Susan Groeneveld Susan Groeneveld is a distinguished serial entrepreneur with specialization in agricultural science and technology based businesses. Her 25 year career has included leading commercialization for some of the largest global companies in animal health and agriculture, co-founding an award winning North American marketing agency- WS, a globally recognized not for profit in animal health and most recently Sylvester.ai. In 2023, her outstanding contributions were recognized as a top 5 finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year for Women in AI across North America. This recognition underscores Susan's impact and leadership in the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Her passion for innovation, coupled with her dedication to addressing global challenges, positions her as a driving force in the ongoing transformation of agriculture and animal health sectors.   Connect with Susan Groeneveld Linkedin @susangroeneveldab Website https://www.sylvester.ai/   About Susan Sly: Susan Sly is a Tech Co-founder, a tech investor, best-selling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the highly acclaimed podcast – Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. Susan has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime Television, The CBN, The Morning Show in Australia and been quoted in MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and more. She holds Certificates in Management and Leadership, Technology and Operations, and Strategy and Innovation from MIT. Susan is the author of 7 books. Her book project with NY Times Best Selling Author, Jack Canfield, made six Amazon Best Selling lists.   Connect With Susan: Twitter @Susanslylive Twitter @rawandrealentr1 LinkedIn @susansly Facebook @susanslylive Website https://susansly.com/ Join Susan's Insider’s List   https://susansly.com/insider/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this revealing episode of “Raw and Real Entrepreneurship,” Susan engages in an intimate conversation with Lori Harder, the innovative force behind www.loriharder.com and the exciting new venture, www.getgloci.com. Friends for over 15 years, Susan and Lori delve into the emotional complexities of pivoting in business and the inherent fear of disappointing others.   This episode takes listeners through the tumultuous yet rewarding business transformation process. Drawing on her experiences with www.getgloci.com, Lori offers invaluable insights into the resilience and bravery needed to navigate change. Susan and Lori candidly discuss the inner turmoil and external challenges accompanying shifting business directions, highlighting the emotional aspect of entrepreneurial decision-making.   Their conversation is vulnerable and rich with wisdom, shedding light on coping with the fear of judgment and the significance of staying true to one’s vision amid adversity.   Join Susan and Lori in this episode for an unscripted, heartfelt exploration of the trials and triumphs of entrepreneurship. This episode is essential listening for anyone facing the challenges of business pivoting and seeking guidance on how to overcome the fear of disappointing others while pursuing their authentic path.   About Lori Harder: Lori Harder has built 3 separate seven-figure businesses. She is the Founder and CEO of the beauty hydration company, glōci, the best-selling author of A Tribe Called Bliss, a transformational speaker, and the host of The Earn Your Happy podcast with over 65 million downloads. Her career started in fitness as a 3X fitness world champion, 11X fitness cover model, and gym owner. She’s had thousands of students attend her events, go through her courses and be in her membership programs. Her biggest passion is creating products and companies that support ambitious women to grow their businesses and dreams.   Connect with Lori: Instagram @loriharder Website https://getgloci.com/   About Susan Sly: Susan Sly is a Tech Co-founder, a tech investor, best-selling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the highly acclaimed podcast – Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. Susan has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime Television, The CBN, The Morning Show in Australia and been quoted in MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and more. She holds Certificates in Management and Leadership, Technology and Operations, and Strategy and Innovation from MIT. Susan is the author of 7 books. Her book project with NY Times Best Selling Author, Jack Canfield, made six Amazon Best Selling lists.   Connect With Susan: Twitter @Susanslylive Twitter @rawandrealentr1 LinkedIn @susansly Facebook @susanslylive Website https://susansly.com/ Join Susan's Insider’s List   https://susansly.com/insider/    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready for a no-holds-barred episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship as Susan dives into the audacious world of Josh Chodniewicz, the trailblazing founder of Fundify. In an unfiltered conversation, Josh reveals how he’s flipping the script on startup investing, smashing barriers, and levelling the playing field for investors and entrepreneurs alike.   Enter the realm of Fundify, Josh’s revolutionary platform disrupting the startup investment game. It’s not your run-of-the-mill investment site; it’s a renegade force democratizing access to startup capital. Whether you’re an accredited investor or just starting out, Fundify is the place where you can start investing with just a buck. Josh breaks down how he’s reshaping the investment landscape, making it inclusive, transparent, and downright fair for everyone.   We get raw with Josh’s entrepreneurial saga, from his first gig selling eggs to masterminding Art.com, a digital art powerhouse. Hear about the gritty reality of bootstrapping Art.com with just $35,000 and zero outside funding, a testament to Josh’s relentless hustle and tenacity.   Josh’s influence stretches far beyond Fundify. Discover his role in Mach 10 Ventures and how he’s been a game-changer for startups like Mixbook, hailed as “The Best Online Photo Book Services” by the Wall Street Journal. Josh has a knack for spotting winners early and guiding them to glory.   In a constantly shifting startup ecosystem, Josh Chodniewicz and Fundify are the ultimate disruptors. They’re not just changing the game; they’re rewriting the rules. Get the unvarnished truth about Josh’s vision and Fundify’s earth-shattering impact in this explosive episode.   Meet Josh Chodniewicz Meet Josh Chodniewicz, the maverick entrepreneur and visionary behind Fundify and Art.com. A leading figure in crowdfunding, startup investing, and entrepreneurial hustle, Josh is a force of nature, pushing boundaries and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and investors.   Connect with Josh LinkedIn  @jchod Website https://www.fundify.com/   About Susan Sly: Susan Sly is a Tech Co-founder, a tech investor, best-selling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the highly acclaimed podcast – Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. Susan has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime Television, The CBN, The Morning Show in Australia and been quoted in MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and more. She holds Certificates in Management and Leadership, Technology and Operations, and Strategy and Innovation from MIT. Susan is the author of 7 books. Her book project with NY Times Best Selling Author, Jack Canfield, made six Amazon Best Selling lists.   Connect With Susan: Twitter @Susanslylive Twitter @rawandrealentr1 LinkedIn @susansly Facebook @susanslylive Website https://susansly.com/ Join Susan's Insider’s List   https://susansly.com/insider/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, Susan Sly dives deep into personal branding, particularly focusing on the transformative power of LinkedIn. As a platform boasting over 310 million active monthly users, LinkedIn is a goldmine for entrepreneurs seeking to establish credibility, network with industry leaders, and unlock a world of opportunities.    Key Takeaways from the episode Discover how a robust personal brand on LinkedIn can position you as an industry leader. Learn how Susan's personal brand has opened doors to incredible opportunities she never thought possible. Get actionable tips to elevate your LinkedIn presence rapidly.   Your brand is your unique signature in the professional landscape, and LinkedIn serves as the canvas where it can flourish. Whether you aim to position yourself as an industry leader, unlock unprecedented opportunities, or rapidly elevate your presence, the key lies in consistency, authenticity, and strategic networking. This episode is a must-listen for those seeking to build and expand their brand in the competitive business landscape.   About Susan Sly: Susan Sly is a Tech Co-founder, a tech investor, best-selling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the highly acclaimed podcast – Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. Susan has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime Television, The CBN, The Morning Show in Australia and been quoted in MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and more. She holds Certificates in Management and Leadership, Technology and Operations, and Strategy and Innovation from MIT. Susan is the author of 7 books. Her book project with NY Times Best Selling Author, Jack Canfield, made six Amazon Best Selling lists.   Connect With Susan: Twitter @Susanslylive Twitter @rawandrealentr1 LinkedIn @susansly Facebook @susanslylive Website https://susansly.com/ Join Susan's Insider’s List   https://susansly.com/insider/   Please note that our recommendations are based on our honest opinions and experiences. We strive to provide valuable and unbiased information to our listeners.  Before making any purchasing decisions, we recommend doing your own research to ensure that a product or service is suitable for your needs.  This podcast may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buckle up for a wild ride on this episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship, where we slice through the fluff and get down to business with Kieran O’Brien, the 24-year-old SaaS sensation with two massive exits.   We’re tearing into the raw and real truth of startup warfare – from the adrenaline of pitching to a sea of investors to the cutthroat fundraising strategies. Kieran breaks down the game of picking your business allies – mercenaries or missionaries?   Plus, we’re diving deep into the art of perfect market timing. This isn’t your usual entrepreneurial chitchat; it’s a raw, unfiltered peek into the playbook of a young entrepreneur rewriting the rules of the SaaS world. Get ready to have your mind blown!   About Kieran O'Brien Kieran O’Brien is a 24 year old entrepreneur, marketer, and technology founder. Kieran is currently the Founder & CEO of Shopgenie, a vertical SaaS platform for the $800B automotive repair industry.   Connect with Kieran: Instagram @kieranobrien  X @thekieranobrien Website ShopGenie.io   About Susan Sly: Susan Sly is a Tech Co-founder, a tech investor, best-selling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the highly acclaimed podcast – Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. Susan has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime Television, The CBN, The Morning Show in Australia and been quoted in MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and more. She holds Certificates in Management and Leadership, Technology and Operations, and Strategy and Innovation from MIT. Susan is the author of 7 books. Her book project with NY Times Best Selling Author, Jack Canfield, made six Amazon Best Selling lists.   Connect With Susan: X @Susanslylive X  @rawandrealentr1 LinkedIn @susansly Facebook @susanslylive Website https://susansly.com/   Join Susan's Insider’s List   https://susansly.com/insider/    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this empowering episode of “Raw and Real Entrepreneurship,” join Susan Sly as she delves into the candid and inspiring story of Ashley Stanford, the co-founder of Ice Cream Social and a digital marketing freelancer. Discover the raw and real truth about entrepreneurial depression, a challenge that Ashley has bravely faced and overcome. This episode offers a deep dive into the world of problem-solving and resilience, showcasing how Ashley’s journey from a small-town girl with big dreams in Ohio to a successful entrepreneur in Southern California is a testament to the power of determination and learning. Whether you’re struggling with your own entrepreneurial journey or seeking inspiration to learn and grow, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear Ashley’s invaluable insights and learn how you, too, can overcome obstacles and achieve anything you set your mind to.   About Ashley Stanford: Ashley Stanford, a seasoned Digital Marketing Consultant and Freelancing Expert, boasts over 15 years of diverse experience in the digital marketing realm. Specializing in crafting strategic marketing plans and optimizing tactics for enhanced client performance, her expertise spans the Events & Entertainment, Medical Device/Healthcare, and Finance Technology sectors. Ashley serves as the EVP of Client Strategy at TicketSocket and is the Vice President and Co-Founder of Ice Cream Social—a widget facilitating word-of-mouth marketing and collecting valuable first-party data for websites and checkout flows. Ice Cream Social is supported by Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech, which invested in the company in early 2022. Ashley's comprehensive background includes roles across customer acquisition, email, search, and content marketing, solidifying her as a trusted authority in the field.   Connect With Ashley: LinkedIn @ashcline Facebook @AshNCline X @AshleyCline Website https://ashleyncline.com/ Website https://icecreamsocial.io/   About Susan Sly: Susan Sly is a Tech Co-founder, a tech investor, best-selling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the highly acclaimed podcast – Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. Susan has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime Television, The CBN, The Morning Show in Australia and been quoted in MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and more. She holds Certificates in Management and Leadership, Technology and Operations, and Strategy and Innovation from MIT. Susan is the author of 7 books. Her book project with NY Times Best Selling Author, Jack Canfield, made six Amazon Best Selling lists.   Connect With Susan: X @Susanslylive X  @rawandrealentr1 LinkedIn @susansly Facebook @susanslylive Website https://susansly.com/   Join Susan's Insider’s List   https://susansly.com/insider/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prepare for a “must-listen” experience as we delve deep into the raw and real world of entrepreneurship with Jennifer Ryan, the entrepreneurial force behind Croux (www.croux.co) and the visionary founder of Blueroot (https://bluerootco.com/).   Jennifer takes us on her riveting journey from zero to entrepreneurial hero in this electrifying episode. With no prior experience, she fearlessly navigated the turbulent waters of business, defying critics and forging her path to success. Her story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship.   Discover the art of silencing skeptics and harnessing the power of resilience as Jennifer shares her secrets for turning doubters into believers. Learn from her invaluable insights on selecting the perfect investors, avoiding common pitfalls, and propelling your business toward unparalleled success.   But that’s not all—Jennifer’s wisdom extends to the extraordinary power of new beginnings. Gain inspiration from her experiences as she showcases how fresh starts can lead to remarkable transformations.   Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is a “must-listen.” Join us as we journey alongside Jennifer Ryan, the Cofounder of Croux and Founder of Blueroot, to uncover the keys to entrepreneurial triumph.   Tune in now and prepare for a transformative episode destined to make waves on the top ten iTunes podcast charts. Don’t miss out on this riveting exploration of entrepreneurship’s highs and lows!   About Jennifer Ryan: Ever pondered the heart of local economies? For Jennifer Ryan, it's rooted in the intersections of food, work, and community. Born in southern California and refined in New York City and Silicon Valley, Jennifer blends global thinking with local action.   As the founder of BLUEROOT, she brought healthy, fast-casual dining to the forefront. Notably, BLUEROOT has been recognized as Alabama’s 2023 Restaurant of the Year finalist by the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association, with the decision slated for 10/30. Jennifer's efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning her accolades including a nod as Entrepreneur of the Year by Les Dames d'Escoffier. Connect With Jennifer: LinkedIn @jennifer-ryan-0b444417/ Website https://www.croux.co/ Website https://bluerootco.com/our-roots/   About Susan Sly: Susan Sly is a Tech Co-founder, a tech investor, best-selling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the highly acclaimed podcast – Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. Susan has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime Television, The CBN, The Morning Show in Australia and been quoted in MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and more. She holds Certificates in Management and Leadership, Technology and Operations, and Strategy and Innovation from MIT. Susan is the author of 7 books. Her book project with NY Times Best Selling Author, Jack Canfield, made six Amazon Best Selling lists.   Connect With Susan: X @Susanslylive X  @rawandrealentr1 LinkedIn @susansly Facebook @susanslylive Website https://susansly.com/   Join Susan's Insider’s List   https://susansly.com/insider/     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join host Susan Sly as she engages in a powerful conversation with the remarkable Kathy Coover. Together, they discuss the depths of entrepreneurship, navigating crises, and forging ahead despite life's most challenging hurdles.   Kathy imparts invaluable wisdom on handling crises with grace, emphasizing the importance of mentors, professional guidance, and maintaining a positive outlook. She unravels her daily triumvirate—physical, mental, and spiritual wins—to foster resilience and maintain focus.   Moreover, she addresses the challenge of focus in a world brimming with distractions, underscoring the significance of clarity in one's goals and unwavering determination. Kathy's healing journey after a severe injury is a testament to the transformative power of focus and commitment. (This special edition was recorded in front of a live studio audience).   About Kathy Coover: Kathy Coover is the co-founder and co-chairman of a global brand in the direct sales industry.  As a pioneer in the health and wellness arena, she has helped transform people’s livelihoods into meaningful businesses that create wellbeing, fulfillment, and health.  Long before the gig economy existed in the United States, Kathy saw a sea change coming. Her business is responsible for economic growth, community improvements, and a health and nutrition wave like no other.   Connect with Kathy: Website  www.KathyCoover.com Instagram  @cooverkathy Facebook @kathy.coover.7   About Susan Sly: Susan Sly is a Tech Co-founder, a tech investor, best-selling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the highly acclaimed podcast – Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. Susan has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime Television, The CBN, The Morning Show in Australia and been quoted in MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and more. She holds Certificates in Management and Leadership, Technology and Operations, and Strategy and Innovation from MIT. Susan is the author of 7 books. Her book project with NY Times Best Selling Author, Jack Canfield, made six Amazon Best Selling lists.   Connect With Susan: X @Susanslylive X @rawandrealentr1 LinkedIn @susansly Facebook @susanslylive Website https://susansly.com/   Join Susan's Insider’s List   https://susansly.com/insider/Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Susan Sly on this enlightening episode of Raw and Real Entrepreneurship Podcast as we delve into the inspiring story of Chelsey Roney, co-founder of Proxi (https://www.proxi.co). Discover how Chelsey, a remarkable entrepreneur and mother, leaped from finance at Boeing to B2B omnichannel marketing at Microsoft and eventually to tech entrepreneurship.   In this candid conversation, Chelsey shares her unique journey of founding a SaaS company while in college, leading it to a significant exit, and her bold move to acquire and grow another company. We dissect the courage required to venture into unknown business territories and the lessons learned from business regrets.   Learn how Chelsey balanced her professional aspirations with motherhood and gain insights into her strategies for growing a tech business with no prior background in the field. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned business owners, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of tech, business innovation, and personal growth.   Tune in to “Raw and Real Entrepreneurship” for this empowering story of resilience, adaptability, and success.   About Chelsey Roney: Chelsey Roney brings her business-building and strategy experience to Proxi, where she serves as COO and leads a team of 5, growing the business through sales and marketing. After graduating from Texas A&M, Chelsey joined Boeing where she worked in financial planning and analysis and Microsoft where she worked in a demand center that focused on B2B omnichannel marketing. She grew and sold two businesses: a SaaS business in the University space, and a local services business. Chelsey is also an active member of her community, dedicated parent, and passionate supporter of women and business.   Connect with Chelsey: Website proxi.co LinkedIn@chelseyroney X@chelseyroney Instagram@chelseyroney   About Susan Sly: Susan Sly is a Tech Co-founder, a tech investor, best-selling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the highly acclaimed podcast – Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. Susan has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime Television, The CBN, The Morning Show in Australia and been quoted in MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and more. She holds Certificates in Management and Leadership, Technology and Operations, and Strategy and Innovation from MIT. Susan is the author of 7 books. Her book project with NY Times Best Selling Author, Jack Canfield, made six Amazon Best Selling lists.   Connect With Susan: Twitter @Susanslylive Twitter @rawandrealentr1 LinkedIn @susansly Facebook @susanslylive Website https://susansly.com/ Join Susan's Insider’s List   https://susansly.com/insider/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this captivating episode of “Raw and Real Entrepreneurship,” host Susan Sly sits down with Matt Holland, CEO and co-founder of Field Effect, to delve into his remarkable journey in cybersecurity. Holland, who boldly decided to walk away from completing his PhD, shares his unique insights into the transition from academia to entrepreneurship. The conversation takes a deep dive into the nuances of bootstrapping a company, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of building a business from the ground up.   Listeners will be particularly intrigued by the discussion on strategic financial decisions, including when and why Field Effect decided to engage in a significant Series A funding round, successfully raising $30.34 million U.S. dollars. This episode sheds light on the importance of cybersecurity in our digital age and provides valuable lessons on resilience, strategic planning, and the power of believing in one’s vision.   Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business veteran, or someone fascinated by the intersection of technology and business, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration, showcasing the real and raw path to entrepreneurial success.   About Matt Holland: Matt Holland is a prominent figure in the cyber security industry, known for his extensive experience as an ex-cyber spy and successful entrepreneur. Currently, he is the founder and CEO of Field Effect, a cyber security company that provides powerful and complete protection for businesses of all sizes from cyber attacks. Founded in 2016, the company was bootstrapped by Matt and only recently brought on investors to the tune of $30 million. Prior to Field Effect, Matt co-founded and bootstrapped an intelligence tradecraft company called Linchpin Labs, which grew to become the commercial world leader at what it did. It was sold in 2018 as part of a bundled $200 million deal alongside partner company Azimuth.   Connect with Matt: Facebook @FieldEffectSoftware Instagram @fieldeffectsoftware LinkedIn @field-effect-software X @fieldeffectsoft YouTube @fieldeffectsoft Website https://fieldeffect.com/   About Susan Sly: Susan Sly is a Tech Co-founder, a tech investor, best-selling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the highly acclaimed podcast – Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. Susan has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime Television, The CBN, The Morning Show in Australia and been quoted in MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and more. She holds Certificates in Management and Leadership, Technology and Operations, and Strategy and Innovation from MIT. Susan is the author of 7 books. Her book project with NY Times Best Selling Author, Jack Canfield, made six Amazon Best Selling lists.   Connect With Susan: X @Susanslylive X @rawandrealentr1 LinkedIn @susansly Facebook @susanslylive Website https://susansly.com/ Join Susan's Insider’s List   https://susansly.com/insider/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to “The $100 Million Blueprint: Unveiling the Secrets of Business Valuation,” a must-listen episode of the acclaimed podcast series, Raw and Real Entrepreneurship.   In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of scaling a business to an astounding $100 million valuation. Join Susan Sly, a seasoned entrepreneur and business coach, as she unravels the complex tapestry of company valuation in today’s dynamic market. What sets apart companies valued at $100 million from the rest? It’s not just about revenues or profits; it’s a sophisticated interplay of market trends, growth potential, and strategic innovation. With the backdrop of recent shifts in economic conditions, such as rising interest rates and changing investor mindsets, this episode offers a timely exploration of what it takes to reach such a lofty valuation.   Hear the incredible stories of diverse founders who have triumphed in this challenge. Their narratives are more than just success stories; they’re a treasure trove of innovation, resilience, and customer-centricity lessons.   “The $100 Million Blueprint” isn’t just about numbers and statistics. It’s a journey into the heart of entrepreneurial spirit, packed with actionable insights, expert advice, and the unspoken truths of business success. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply curious about business valuation, this episode is your gateway to understanding the nuances of building a high-value company.   Tune in to Raw and Real Entrepreneurship for this enlightening episode and take the first step toward understanding the blueprint of a $100 million valuation. Your journey to scaling new entrepreneurial heights begins here!   About Susan Sly: Susan Sly is a Tech Co-founder, a tech investor, best-selling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the highly acclaimed podcast – Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. Susan has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime Television, The CBN, The Morning Show in Australia and been quoted in MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and more. She holds Certificates in Management and Leadership, Technology and Operations, and Strategy and Innovation from MIT. Susan is the author of 7 books. Her book project with NY Times Best Selling Author, Jack Canfield, made six Amazon Best Selling lists.   Connect With Susan: Twitter @Susanslylive Twitter @rawandrealentr1 LinkedIn @susansly Facebook @susanslylive Website https://susansly.com/ Join Susan's Insider’s List   https://susansly.com/insider/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Susan unpacks the whirlwind saga of Sam Altman, the visionary CEO and co-founder of OpenAI. She also dissects the stunning news of his removal, the shockwaves it sent across the tech community, and the unprecedented decision to bring him back into the fold.   Join Susan as she explores Q-Star, a mysterious player making bold moves in AI advancement, and what this development could mean for the future of artificial intelligence.   Susan also takes a critical look at the unraveling of the OpenAI board, drawing lessons on governance, trust, and the power struggles at play in high-stakes entrepreneurship.   This episode isn’t just about the titans of AI; it’s a lesson for entrepreneurs everywhere on navigating the complexities of leadership, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of groundbreaking technology. Tune in to hear all about the chaos, the comebacks, and the cutting-edge of AI on “Raw and Real Entrepreneurship.”   About Susan Sly: Susan Sly is a Tech Co-founder, a tech investor, best-selling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the highly acclaimed podcast – Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. Susan has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime Television, The CBN, The Morning Show in Australia and been quoted in MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and more. She holds Certificates in Management and Leadership, Technology and Operations, and Strategy and Innovation from MIT. Susan is the author of 7 books. Her book project with NY Times Best Selling Author, Jack Canfield, made six Amazon Best Selling lists.   Connect With Susan: Twitter @Susanslylive Twitter @rawandrealentr1 LinkedIn @susansly Facebook @susanslylive Website https://susansly.com/ Join Susan's Insider’s List   https://susansly.com/insider/     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices