Start. Scale. Exit. Repeat.: Serial Entrepreneur: Secrets Revealed!

AI Agents: The Next Evolution for Entrepreneurs AI is shifting from simple prompts to powerful, task-driven agents—and entrepreneurs who understand this shift will have a major edge. In this episode of Start Scale Exit Repeat, Steve Simonson joins Colin C. Campbell and Michelle Van Tilborg to break down how founders can use AI practically, starting small and focusing on point-to-point solutions. The takeaway: treat AI like a team of interns, not a magic replacement, and build smarter, faster workflows with the right oversight.

Designing a Balanced Entrepreneurial Life Entrepreneurship isn't just about relentless hustle. It's also about building a life that can sustain that ambition. In this episode of The Complete Entrepreneur, Colin C. Campbell and Michael Gilmour explore how founders can align work, family, and personal rewards without burning out. From treating business like a game to celebrating small wins, this conversation reframes what it really means to succeed as an entrepreneur. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michael Gilmour

What founders get wrong about selling... and how to exit with leverage In this episode, Colin C. Campbell and Michele Van Tilborg are joined by Alexis Sikorsky to break down what founders misunderstand about selling their business—and how to maximize value when exiting. Drawing from his experience on both sides of the deal, Alexis shares how to position your company for private equity, prepare years in advance, and avoid costly mistakes that leave money on the table. If you're thinking about an exit, this is a practical guide to navigating the process with clarity and control. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg Guest: Alexis Sikorsky More info about Alexis, plus the link to order his book 'Cashing Out' here: https://www.asikorsky.com/ 

The real reason founders don't start, and how to move through fear In this episode of Start, Scale, Exit, Repeat, Colin C. Campbell and Michele Van Tilborg sit down with bio-psychologist Dr. Rowshanak Hashemiyoon to unpack the real reason founders get stuck before they even begin: fear rooted in biology, not mindset. They explore the nervous system's role in self-doubt, fear of success, and visibility, along with practical tools to regulate, take action, and build momentum. If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or hesitant to take the next step, this conversation reframes fear—and shows you how to move forward anyway. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg Guest: Dr. Rowshanak Hashemiyoon

Why most founders fail to scale, and how to get out of your own way.  In this episode of The Complete Entrepreneur, Colin C. Campbell and Michael Gilmour break down why most businesses get stuck, and how shifting from startup mode to scale mode unlocks real growth. Joined by Matt Herbert and community member Jason, they dive into leadership evolution, delegation, hiring the right people, and building systems that remove the founder as the bottleneck. If you're looking to grow beyond the early stages, this conversation is a practical roadmap to scaling with intention. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michael Gilmour

The best founders don't just build great companies– they build systems to improve all aspects of life and business. Here are 21 hacks they actually use, from Colin C. Campbell, Michael Gilmour, and the Startup Club community.  Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michael Gilmour

Why fear is driving more decisions than you think Colin C. Campbell and Michele Van Tilborg sit down with Dr. Rowshanak Hashemiyoon to unpack how fear and self-doubt actually work in entrepreneurs. This episode explores the biological roots of hesitation, the pressure behind success, and how founders can move forward without waiting to feel ready. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg Guest: Dr. Rowshanak Hashemiyoon

Why AI won't build your business Everyone is asking AI the wrong question and getting the same useless answer. In this episode, Colin C. Campbell and Michele Van Tilborg break down why AI is a powerful multiplier but not a replacement for entrepreneurial instinct, and how the real advantage comes from better inputs, better questions, and real-world execution. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg

The Reality of the Entrepreneurial Rollercoaster Entrepreneurship comes with inevitable highs and lows, and this conversation dives into how founders handle disappointment when deals fall apart or expectations aren't met. Learn how to process setbacks, avoid emotional spillover, and recalibrate quickly so you can keep moving forward. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michael Gilmour 

The emotional and operational reality of entrepreneurship, and how founders navigate uncertainty, pressure, and the constant highs and lows of building. *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="45e00c7e-b769-4231-b6dc-29f562489041" data-testid="conversation-turn-8" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster, and this conversation breaks down how founders manage the highs, the setbacks, and everything in between. From external pressures like interest rates and market shifts to the internal challenges of stress, relationships, and leadership, this episode offers real insights on how to stay grounded while building. If you are navigating uncertainty, this is a reminder that you are not alone, and that resilience is part of the process.   Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg  

Launching a Kickstarter in Real Time: Lessons, Mistakes, and Strategies from a Live Campaign (Recorded Live on Clubhouse March 6, 2026) *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:d4a32961-65a9-47df-9ad2-bd343f3ab9ff-23" data-testid= "conversation-turn-8" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> What does it really take to launch a successful Kickstarter? In this episode, we break down a campaign happening in real time—sharing the strategies, mistakes, and lessons learned just days after launch. From product development to storytelling and marketing, discover what it takes to turn an idea into a funded campaign.  Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg    

Serial Success Has a System  In this OpenMic episode, the team breaks down what repeat startup success actually looks like in the entrepreneurial world. They walk through the 'Start. Scale. Exit. Repeat.' framework and how leaders win by shifting their story, team, capital strategy, and systems at every stage. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg

Networking That Actually Converts Trade shows and conferences can be either a budget drain or a growth accelerator—depending on how you prepare. Colin C. Campbell and Michael Gilmour share the exact pre-event, on-site, and post-event plays that turn visibility into meetings, meetings into deals, and one weekend of travel into weeks of marketing. Hosts: Michael Gilmour, Colin C. Campbell

Facing Your Startup Fears in 2026 Fear shows up at every level of entrepreneurship, from launching your first idea to leading through cashflow crises, public visibility, and rapid change. Colin C. Campbell and Michael Gilmour share practical ways to keep fear from becoming debilitating—decision-making, risk mitigation, transparency, community support, and "doing it scared" until confidence catches up. Hosts: Michael Gilmour, Colin C. Campbell

Habits That Scale Companies Michael Gilmour and Colin C. Campbell break down the habits and values that consistently show up in founders who build real wealth. From financial discipline and delayed gratification to ethics, generosity, and relentless learning, this conversation maps the "founder operating system" that scales companies and reputations over time. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michael Gilmour

26 startup ideas worth paying attention to in 2026. Colin C. Campbell and Michele Van Tilburg break down where opportunity is emerging, what's changing, and how founders can get ahead of the curve. If you're thinking about what to build next year, this is a smart place to start.

How Art of Shaving Founder Eric Malka Turned a Simple Idea into a Global Brand (Recorded Live on Clubhouse November 14, 2025) In this episode with Colin C. Campbell and Michele Van Tilborg, The Art of Shaving co-founder Eric Malka shares the eight principles that took him from undocumented warehouse worker to building, scaling, and exiting a category-defining brand. They dive into mindset, brand focus, execution, pivots, culture, and scalability, and why "crawl, walk, run, fly" is the only sane way to build a business that lasts. Get Eric's Book, 'On The Razor's Edge' on Amazon: https://amzn.to/48uQm0C Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg Guest: Eric Malka, Founder of The Art of Shaving

The real difference between startup ideas that die on the whiteboard and those that become global successes? The mindset of the founder. (Recorded Live on Clubhouse November 20, 2025) In this episode of The Complete Entrepreneur, Colin C. Campbell and Michael Gilmour break down the "startup mindset" — from relentless learning and curiosity to naivety, optimism, and managing fear. They share personal stories of launching new ventures, recovering from failure, and why tenacity, awareness, and a love for the game matter more than any spreadsheet. If you're ready to think differently about how you think, this conversation is your masterclass.   Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michael Gilmour

"AI is both the ladder and the moat. The difference is how you use it." (Recorded Live on Clubhouse September 5, 2025) Is AI leveling the field or creating a new moat? Colin and Michele debate paywalled models, free alternatives, and where founders should invest. Community voices weigh in with wins, warnings, and playbooks you can copy this week. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg

How to Pair AI Speed with Founder Grit (Recorded Live on Clubhouse August 22, 2025) In this episode, we unpack why AI is an accelerant—not a substitute—for entrepreneurship, then walk through the Four Sticky Note Business Plan to turn ideas into action. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg

How purpose, structure, and cadence turn hustling founders into scaling leaders. (Recorded Live on Clubhouse August 15, 2025) Colin C. Campbell and Michele Van Tilborg sit down with EOS® Implementer César Quintero to unpack the shift from founder-doer to leader-builder. They cover the "jazz to marching band" analogy, EOS's six components, how to run a high-leverage planning day, and why coaching is a force multiplier for traction.   Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg Guest: Cesar Quintero

From Post-It to Pitch: Nailing Your First Stage Gate (Recorded Live on Clubhouse July 25, 2025) A practical walkthrough of the Ultimate Startup Checklist—how to go from idea to execution with sticky-note planning, SMART stage gates, and the X-Factor/brand-promise combo. We cover AI-era discovery (Google and LLMs), mentors and incubators, naming and trademarks, KPIs that matter, and how to use the workbook's embedded GPTs without losing your authentic voice. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg

A masterclass in moving from idea to execution—one sticky note at a time. (Recorded Live On Clubhouse July 18, 2025) This week, Colin C. Campbell and Michele Van Tilborg break down the Ultimate Startup Checklist — a practical, step-by-step guide to turning your idea into a real business. From writing your idea on a sticky note to setting stage gates, defining KPIs, and ranking in AI-driven search, this episode walks you through the habits that separate dreamers from doers. Learn how to name your business, test your concept, track what matters, and stay accountable through every stage of the startup journey. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg

Find Your Next Million-Dollar Idea AI is changing everything—and opportunity has never been bigger. Colin and Michele unpack a practical system for spotting problems, scoring scalability, and building moats, with real examples from product, platform, and brand plays. Plus, the Time-to-Sell Index ticks up, hinting at brighter market sentiment. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg

AI Growth Hacks & Minor Majors for Entrepreneurs (Recorded Live on Clubhouse June 13, 2025) Discover how to scale smarter with AI—from creative branding to building tools with zero code. Startup Club hosts Colin C. Campbell and Michele Van Tilborg share high-leverage AI tactics that any founder can use. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg

The ROI of Reviews (Recorded Live on Clubhouse June 6, 2025) From five-star ratings to viral feedback loops—today's episode dives into the real-world impact of reviews. Whether you're selling a product, booking guests, or writing a book, social proof could be your secret weapon. Learn how to get it, use it, and protect it. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg

Is Franchising a Smart Way to Start a Business? (Recorded Live on Clubhouse May 30, 2025) Author Alicia Miller shares what makes franchising a strategic path to entrepreneurship—if you know how to vet the right system. From resales to private equity exits, this episode is full of tactical insights. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg Guest: Alicia Miller

Supercharge Your Startup with AI and Data (Recorded Live on Clubhouse May 16th, 2025) Alejandro Martinez, CEO of Propelling Tech, joins the stage to break down how AI and data can radically transform your business—if used wisely. We discussedr: Why clean data matters more than big data Real examples of AI saving time and money for founders How to avoid hallucinations and train AI with your own voice Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg Guest: Alejandro Martinez

Startup Myths, Busted (Recorded Live on Clubhouse May 9th, 2025) Chris and Dave Sinkinson, authors of Startup Different, join us to challenge the conventional startup playbook. No VC? No problem. Hear their journey of scaling a software company with empathy, grit, and zero outside funding. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg Guests: Chris and David Sinkinson 

Tariff Turmoil: Startup Survival in an Unfair System (Recorded Live on Clubhouse April 25, 2025)  Small businesses are paying the price while corporate giants get exemptions. In this open mic episode, founders share real-world strategies for surviving steep tariffs and external shocks. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg

The Power of the Perfect Domain (Recorded Live on Clubhouse April 18th, 2025) On this episode of Start. Scale. Exit. Repeat., domain name broker David Clements joins Colin, Michelle, and Mimi to break down everything founders need to know about domains. From brand trust to investor perception to affordable acquisition strategies, discover how the right domain can make or break your startup. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg Guest: David Clements

How AI Can Help You Scale Smarter This episode dives into the real ways startups are using AI to automate, optimize, and accelerate. Colin and guest David Hirschfeld share powerful tools, use cases, and frameworks—from AI for lead gen and legal workflows to finding your startup's true X factor. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg Guest: David Hirschfeld 

Fail Fast, Scale Big (Recorded Live on Clubhouse March 28, 2025) In this episode, Colin and Michelle reveal how failing faster can actually make you money. Learn why testing, cutting losses, and scaling successes is the ultimate formula for entrepreneurial growth. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg, Michael Gilmour

AI & Startups: A New Era of Innovation (Recorded Live on Clubhouse February 28, 2025)  Join Start, Scale, Exit, Repeat as we sit down with Joseph Hanna to discuss AI's transformative role in startups. Learn how to balance growth with continuous innovation, avoid the pitfalls of static product-market fit, and use AI as a competitive advantage. Don't miss this high-value conversation!

AI Strategies for Startups (Recorded Live on Clubhouse February 7, 2025)  How can AI supercharge your startup? This open mic session explores practical AI hacks, from SEO and content creation to lead generation and business automation. Discover how AI can help you scale faster and work smarter. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg

Lessons from Entrepreneurs' Favorite Books & Movies (Recorded Live on Clubhouse January 31, 2025)  Entrepreneurs draw inspiration from many sources, but books and movies often provide some of the most impactful lessons. On this episode of Start, Scale, Exit, Repeat, we explored how literature and cinema influence business leaders and what titles have left a lasting impression on our entrepreneurial journeys. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg

The Journey to Founder Success (Recorded live on Clubhouse January 24, 2025)  On this episode of Start Scale Exit Repeat, we sit down with Patrick Thean to discuss the critical transition from startup founder to CEO. Patrick shares how structured planning, goal setting, and accountability systems can transform a business, helping entrepreneurs escape the chaos of constant firefighting. Tune in to learn how to break through and scale with intention. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg Guest: Patrick Thean

February's Startup Club newsletter provides guidance for entrepreneurs on various crucial topics. It emphasizes the importance of goal setting and execution, using systems to scale businesses, and knowing when to sell. The newsletter analyzes the current market conditions, suggesting it is a strong buyers' market but hints at potential recovery. It explores funding options beyond venture capital and offers advice from experienced entrepreneurs on maximizing value during exits. Finally, the newsletter suggests inspirational movies for entrepreneurs and links to additional resources.  

Venture Capital: The Right Move for Your Startup? (Recorded Live on Clubhouse January 17, 2025)  We spoke with Ira Weiss of Hyde Park Venture Partners, discussing whether venture capital is the right funding option for startups. We break down the myths of VC, alternative funding sources, and the negotiation process. Plus, insights into the 2025 investment landscape. Tune in for expert advice on funding your startup the right way. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg Guest: Ira Weiss  

Lean Startups and Billion-Dollar Exits (Recorded Live on Clubhouse January 10th, 2025) Hear Dr. Kenan Sahin share his entrepreneurial journey from professor to billion-dollar success. Discover the secrets of lean startups, empowering teams, and adapting to market demands. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg Guest: Dr. Kenan Sahin

This newsletter from Startup Club features advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including ten actionable steps to launch a business. It highlights the importance of overcoming fear, identifying viable ideas, and securing essential resources like a name and logo. The newsletter also recommends leveraging AI tools and joining an incubator for support. A list of twenty-five must-read books for entrepreneurs is provided, along with upcoming Clubhouse events discussing successful startup exits and building investor-ready businesses. Finally, the newsletter includes a "Time to Sell Index" suggesting that now is not a favorable time to sell a business.

How Entrepreneurs Push Through Startup Fears to Find Success (Recorded Live on Clubhouse January 9th, 2025) Fear is a constant companion in the entrepreneurial journey. In this episode of The Complete Entrepreneur, Colin and Michael discuss practical strategies to face startup fears, from setting clear goals to building a community of support. Learn how to manage fear, embrace the learning process, and find success through calculated risks. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michael Gilmour

Unlocking the Power of Networking with Wali Shareef (Recorded Live on Clubhouse December 6, 2024)  In this episode of Start, Scale, Exit, Repeat, we sit down with Wali Shareef, CEO of Follow Up Now, to uncover the secrets of effective networking. Wali shares actionable strategies for building authentic relationships, following up with purpose, and leveraging AI to simplify connections. Learn how asking the right questions and fostering genuine rapport can transform your business and personal growth. Don't miss this inspiring conversation packed with insights for entrepreneurs and professionals alike!      

2025 Predictions: Innovations and Opportunities for Entrepreneurs (Recorded Live on Clubhouse December 20, 2024) Explore the biggest trends shaping the startup landscape in 2025, including AI-powered tools, sustainability initiatives, tokenized assets, and virtual workforce transformations. Join the discussion on how these innovations can drive success for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs alike. Don't miss predictions on IPO growth and the evolving global economy. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg

From Startup Hustle to Scaling Success (Recorded Live on Clubhouse November 22, 2024)  Explore the critical mindset shift needed to transition from starting a business to scaling it. This episode dives into the key differences between the entrepreneurial energy of launching a startup and the strategic systems required to scale. Learn how to adapt your leadership, team dynamics, and processes to achieve sustainable growth. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg

Join us as we explore actionable advice like Colin Campbell's 70+ growth hacks, and dive into game-changing tools like custom GPTs. Whether you're starting, scaling, or looking to exit, we're here to empower your journey with practical tips, inspiring stories, and trends shaping the future of startups.

The Power of Micro Moves for Startups Discover how small, strategic actions—"micro moves"—can create major impacts for your startup. Hosts Colin C. Campbell and Michele Van Tilborg share actionable insights on cost-cutting, customer engagement, and employee recognition. Learn how minor adjustments, like optimizing subscriptions or leveraging unexpected moments of delight, can drive growth and success. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg  

AI-Driven Startup Success Strategies (Recorded Live on Clubhouse November 8, 2024)    In this episode, we explore the transformative power of AI in education and entrepreneurship with guest Jose Moreno, founder of Neulight. Jose shares his journey from big tech to launching an AI-driven platform revolutionizing student support. Tune in to discover how innovation and an "irrationally optimistic" mindset can drive startup success. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg Guest: Jose Moreno

Balancing Command and Collaboration In this episode, we explore the dynamic roles of being a boss versus a coach and how they shape the growth of a business. Hosts Michael Gilmour and Colin Campbell discuss when to take charge with decisive leadership and when to empower teams through coaching. Learn actionable insights on transitioning leadership styles and fostering accountability, empathy, and growth in your entrepreneurial journey. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michael Gilmour

Mastering the Perfect Exit: How Timing Can Make or Break Your Startup's Sale Value (Recorded Live on Clubhouse September 27, 2024)  In this episode, we explore the pivotal role of timing in maximizing the value of your company's sale. Learn about the newly developed Time to Sell Index, which uses data-driven insights to help entrepreneurs pinpoint the ideal moment to exit. Join us for strategic tips and real-world examples on leveraging timing for a successful startup sale. Hosts: Colin C. Campbell, Michele Van Tilborg