Tenacity with Sonia C.

What happens when your business growth is no longer limited by strategy, but by your leadership?In this episode, Sonia sits down with Eric Dingler to unpack the leadership lessons that emerge as businesses scale. Eric shares the moment he realized his team kept having the same conversations because leadership systems and communication clarity were missing.Together, they explore:Why growing teams require different leadership stylesHow unclear communication creates confusion and inactionThe difference between brainstorming and decision-makingWhy leaders unintentionally slow executionHow accountability and ownership are built into company cultureThe importance of intentional meetings and clear outcomesWhat leaders must change about themselves to scale effectivelyThis conversation is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs, founders, executives, and team leaders who want to improve communication, create alignment, and build organizations that execute with confidence.Whether you’re leading a startup, growing a team, or trying to move your business to the next level, this episode will challenge the way you think about leadership.🎧 Listen now and discover why better leadership creates better businesses.https://soniacouto.com/episodes Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What does it really take to build something new when there’s no blueprint, no certainty, and no external validation?In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C., Sonia sits down with Sam Berman, founder of LARC, to talk about the internal war of entrepreneurship, the emotional cost of building, and the mindset required to keep going when doubt, isolation, and pressure hit hard.Sam shares how LARC grew from a napkin sketch into a company serving some of the largest organizations in the world. He breaks down why obsession matters, when founders need to pivot, how to validate an idea early, why integrity matters more than skill when building a team, and what unresolved personal weight can do to a founder’s ability to lead.This is a practical conversation about resilience, conviction, market validation, decision-making, and the discipline required to keep building when the path is unclear.Key TakeawaysThe real battle in entrepreneurship is often psychological, not operational.Obsession can fuel endurance, but it does not replace market validation.If the market gives no traction, founders need to pivot honestly rather than romanticize the struggle.Big ideas require founders to dismantle “I’m not enough” thinking and stop playing small.Teams matter because founders do not need to have every skill themselves.Integrity is a stronger hiring filter than raw skill.Founders need to make decisions, move, and course-correct instead of waiting for certainty.Emotional discipline matters because fear, anger, rejection, and doubt can distort leadership.Unresolved personal weight does not disappear under pressure; building often brings it to the surface.Bold outreach can open doors, even with very large companies.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Most founders think fundraising is about pitch decks, introductions, and traction.But investors are evaluating more than just that; they are also looking for credibility.In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, we explore a new fundraising strategy more founders are starting to use: visibility as leverage.PR is no longer just about press coverage. It’s about positioning yourself as a credible, trustworthy founder that investors feel confident backing.We break down:Why investors often trust founders they’ve heard of before they meet themHow PR builds authority and reduces perceived riskWhy personal brand influence investor confidenceHow founders can use visibility strategically when preparing to raise capitalThe difference between marketing visibility and credibility visibilityIf you’re building something real but struggling to get investor traction, this episode introduces a new way to think about fundraising strategy.Because investors don’t just fund ideas, they fund founders they believe in.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Tenacity with Sonia C is a podcast for founders building real companies. Each episode explores how founders decide what to build, how they prioritize, and how they navigate uncertainty as they move from idea to product and from product to growth.Most technical founders believe the hardest part is building the technology.It isn’t.In this episode, Sonia sits down with a neurotechnology founder building in the mental health space to unpack what actually makes or breaks a startup, and it’s rarely the science.They explore:• The transition from builder to CEO• Why failure is a required phase of building• How to validate before overbuilding• Why the wrong cofounder can destroy momentum• The tension between scientific credibility and startup speed• How founders get in their own way• Why revenue is the strongest signal of product value• How deep tech companies build trust in regulated marketsThis episode is for founders navigating:Early traction challenges, product validation questions, cofounder decisions, or credibility hurdles in complex industries.If you’re building in AI, medtech, neurotech, SaaS, or any technical vertical, this episode will help you see what investors, customers, and operators actually look for.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Tenacity with Sonia C is a podcast for founders building real companies. Each episode explores how founders decide what to build, how they prioritize, and how they navigate uncertainty as they move from idea to product and from product to growth.What happens when a childhood obsession becomes a real business?In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, Sonia talks with Rui Couto about how he turned collecting comic books, Pokémon cards, and rare manga into a business built on sourcing, consulting, product design, and deep trust in a niche market.Rui shares how he went from passionate collector to recognized expert, why he moved to Japan, how he built a network without relying on a traditional website, and what founders can learn from solving their own problem before the market catches up. He also breaks down the real work behind niche credibility, the cultural lessons of doing business in Japan, and why product innovation often starts with frustration.This episode is for founders, collectors, niche builders, and anyone trying to turn expertise into a business without following the standard playbook.Practical takeaways include: how to spot hidden market opportunities, why trust can outperform scale, how to build authority in a niche, and what it takes to turn passion into real revenue.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Tenacity with Sonia C is a podcast for founders building real companies. Each episode explores how founders decide what to build, how they prioritize, and how they navigate uncertainty as they move from idea to product and from product to growth.Most startups don’t fail because founders lack ambition.They fail because founders build in a vacuum, avoid the real problem, and keep operating at the wrong level for the stage of the company.In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, Sonia sits down with startup founder, investor, and author Andrew Ackerman, who has built multiple companies and invested in more than 70 early-stage startups.Andrew shares the patterns he sees repeatedly across founders, the mistakes that quietly kill startups, and the habits that separate companies that survive from those that disappear.One of the biggest misconceptions founders have is that building a startup is about big ideas and innovation. In reality, most founders spend the majority of their time doing whatever needs to be done just to keep the business moving forward.Throughout the conversation, Andrew breaks down the practical lessons founders usually learn the hard way, including why startups should test ideas before building, how to identify real customer problems, and the signals investors look for when deciding whether to back a founder.Sonia and Andrew also explore the realities of scaling a company, the pressure founders face as teams grow, and how leaders must evolve their skills at every stage of the startup journey.This episode is a reminder that building a company isn't about avoiding mistakes; it's about recognizing signals early, learning quickly, and adapting before time and capital run out.If you're building a startup, launching a product, or trying to turn an idea into a real business, this conversation offers insights that could save founders months, or even years, of costly mistakes.In This Episode You’ll Learn• Why founders should test ideas before building products• The most common mistakes first-time founders make• How investors evaluate startup founders• Why coachability is one of the biggest signals of success• The importance of customer discovery in startup growth• How founders transition from operator to CEO• Why founders must constantly learn new skills as companies scale• How to identify real problems vs surface-level startup challengesSubscribe to Tenacity with Sonia C for conversations with founders and leaders building real companies and sharing the lessons they learned along the way.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Tenacity with Sonia C is a podcast for founders building real companies. Each episode explores how founders decide what to build, how they prioritize, and how they navigate uncertainty as they move from idea to product and from product to growth.Many founders don’t start from nothing, they start from expectation.In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, Sonia sits down with entrepreneur Jason Vanderveer, who made the unconventional decision to walk away from taking over his family’s multi-million dollar auto dealership business in order to build something of his own.Instead of stepping into a guaranteed leadership role, Jason started from scratch with an idea he developed in his basement, a productivity planner designed around how high performers actually set and track goals. That experiment eventually grew into a seven-figure product business, a community of more than 40,000 customers, and a 35-unit real estate portfolio.But the real conversation isn’t about planners or productivity.It’s about the moment founders face when the safe path starts to feel heavy, and the cost of staying aligned with expectations outweighs the risk of leaving.In this episode, Sonia and Jason discuss:• Why some founders inherit opportunity but still feel misaligned• The internal pressure of turning down a family legacy business• The painful focus group that almost killed Jason’s first product• Why most entrepreneurs chase “easy money” instead of meaningful work• The Triple L Framework Jason uses to evaluate business ideas• Why clarity about the life you want matters more than the business you build• How founders accidentally recreate the same burnout they tried to escape• The role dreaming, discipline, and boundaries play in sustainable entrepreneurshipThis conversation is for entrepreneurs, founders, CEOs, and operators who are navigating difficult decisions about career direction, business alignment, and long-term leadership.If you’ve ever questioned whether the path you’re on is actually yours, this episode will resonate.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Tenacity with Sonia C is a podcast for founders building real companies. Each episode explores how founders decide what to build, how they prioritize, and how they navigate uncertainty as they move from idea to product and from product to growth.If you’re building something worth attention, you need to be ready for the spike.In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C., Sonia sits down with Michael Dodsworth, a product leader who has spent two decades operating in high-pressure launch environments at companies like Salesforce and Optimizely, as well as in live event ticketing, where millions show up at once.This conversation isn’t about tickets.It’s about what happens when:Your product goes viral3 million people hit your site at onceBots flood your checkoutYou oversellYour team panicsAnd social media is watchingMichael breaks down what actually fails first during a launch meltdown, why most companies are underprepared for spiky demand, and the systems founders should build before scaling attention.Sonia brings it back to what matters most: leadership under pressure, resilience when things break, and why calm founders win.If you’re planning:A product dropA Black Friday launchAn influencer collaborationA waitlist releaseOr your first viral campaignThis episode is your pre-flight checklist.Because going viral isn’t the goal. Staying up is.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Tenacity with Sonia C is a podcast for founders building real companies. Each episode explores how founders decide what to build, how they prioritize, and how they navigate uncertainty as they move from idea to product and from product to growth.When Success Stops Feeling Like Success: The Burnout, the Exit, and the Freedom PlayWhat happens when you scale a business… and realize you’re no longer happy inside it?In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C., Sonia sits down with Ian Noble, a former operator of a 16-location family dry cleaning business in Austin, Texas, who grew the company, modernized operations, survived COVID, and still found himself burned out.Ian shares the story behind scaling a service-based business: becoming the bottleneck, managing 90+ employees, navigating low margins, and pivoting the brand as customer demand shifted toward convenience and delivery. On the outside, the business was successful. Revenue was strong. The footprint was solid.But internally? The drive started fading.Ian opens up about the moment he realized he was physically present at home but mentally somewhere else, and how that became the signal that it was time to exit. He explains what founders often misunderstand about growth and success, why money doesn’t automatically create happiness, and how redefining “freedom” reshaped his next chapter.After the sale, Ian leaned into real estate investing, building both active and passive income streams, not as a hype play, but as a strategic way to create time flexibility and long-term wealth outside of one primary business.This episode is for founders who:Are scaling but secretly exhaustedFeel like they’ve become the bottleneckAre you questioning whether success still feels alignedAre you thinking about exiting a businessWant to build wealth outside their main companyAre you navigating founder burnout and identity shiftsSonia brings the conversation back to what Tenacity is about: resilience, rebuilding, and defining success on your own terms, not the market’s.Because sometimes the bravest move isn’t scaling harder. It’s stepping back.Listen or watch full episodes: https://soniacouto.com/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Tenacity with Sonia C is a podcast for founders building real companies. Each episode explores how founders decide what to build, how they prioritize, and how they navigate uncertainty as they move from idea to product and from product to growth.AI can generate content in seconds.Polished videos are everywhere.Websites all sound the same.So what actually wins in 2026?In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C., Sonia sits down with Wes Towers, founder of Uplift360, to unpack why real, imperfect, human content is becoming the ultimate competitive advantage.Wes shares:The costly mistake that taught him to stay in his nicheWhy trust is eroding in trades, and how to rebuild itWhy a less-than-perfect Google rating can increase credibilityHow founders can stand out in an AI-saturated worldAnd the personal resilience required when life hits hard, but business doesn’t stopThis conversation isn’t about algorithms.It’s about authenticity, discipline, and building a reputation that scales.If you’re a founder wondering how to compete when AI can do “everything,” this episode will show you why being human is your moat.Listen or watch full episodes: https://soniacouto.com/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Tenacity with Sonia C is a podcast for founders building real companies. Each episode explores how founders decide what to build, how they prioritize, and how they navigate uncertainty as they move from idea to product and from product to growth.Legacy brands aren’t failing because their products are bad; they’re struggling because their systems, habits, and leadership decisions move more slowly than the market.In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C., Sonia sits down with Joshua Lee, an e-commerce operator who helps legacy manufacturers and multi-generational brand owners modernize for today’s marketplaces without losing the heritage and soul that made the business work in the first place.They get real about what actually blocks transformation (hint: it’s not tech, it’s fear), why manufacturers hesitate to sell on Amazon or Walmart Marketplace, and what happens when offline-first brands suddenly have to learn B2C, paid ads, fees, customer service, and channel strategy, all at once.If you’re a founder building in e-commerce, retail, manufacturing, or B2B, this episode breaks down the mindset shift and practical first moves that set brands that adapt apart from those that stall.In this episode, you’ll learn:-Why legacy brands delay digital moves for years, until a “life event” forces action-The #1 fear founders have about Amazon: conflict with wholesale distributors-Why strong offline brands struggle online: fees, ads, competition, and a new business model-How to think about marketplaces like Amazon vs Walmart (and why inventory = power)-The biggest mistake brands make when launching on Amazon: not taking the channel seriously-A smart “first step” for founders who feel behind: a leadership readiness assessment-Joshua’s definition of success: building a business with integrity, peace, and long-term visionIf you’re rebuilding, pivoting, or preparing a company for the next generation, this one will sharpen your thinking.Listen or watch full episodes: https://soniacouto.com/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Tenacity with Sonia C is a podcast for founders building real companies. Each episode explores how founders decide what to build, how they prioritize, and how they navigate uncertainty as they move from idea to product and from product to growth.Being busy feels productive until your revenue stalls, your calendar is full, and nothing meaningful is actually moving.In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C., Sonia unpacks why busyness is one of the most dangerous traps for founders and how identifying the one thing can unlock real growth. Joined by global CEO coach Loïc Potjes, this conversation strips away hustle culture and replaces it with clarity, discipline, and focused execution.Together, they break down how founders unknowingly create their own chaos, why most leaders confuse activity with progress, and how to diagnose the true constraint holding a company back, whether it’s leadership behaviour, a weak value proposition, or a lack of market focus.This episode is a must-listen if you’re overwhelmed, overcommitted, and still asking yourself why growth feels so hard.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why being busy is not the same as building momentumThe simple question that cuts through overwhelm and exposes the real bottleneckHow to identify the one thing that actually moves the needleWhy most founders procrastinate, and what it has to do with misaligned strengthsHow to clarify your USP in 5 words and stop sounding like everyone elseThe leadership shift required when strategy isn’t the problem, you areA practical way to regain focus before building a 30-day growth planSonia guides the conversation with the lens every founder needs: tenacity, resilience, and disciplined thinking. This isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what matters.If you’re ready to step off the hamster wheel and build with intention, this episode will change how you work, lead, and grow.Listen or watch full episodes: https://soniacouto.com/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Tenacity with Sonia C is a podcast for founders building real companies. Each episode explores how founders decide what to build, how they prioritize, and how they navigate uncertainty as they move from idea to product and from product to growth.Most people think writing a book means sitting alone for months, struggling with words, doubting their ability, and hoping something good comes out the other side.That belief is wrong, and it’s costing founders credibility, confidence, and revenue.In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C., Sonia sits down with Ben Cena, founder of High Value Author, to break down why publishing a book is not about being a writer, it’s about being strategic.This is a conversation for founders, consultants, and leaders who want to build authority, attract better clients, and turn their expertise into leverage, without burning years trying to “write.”Ben explains:-Why every leader already knows a book, even if English isn’t their first language-The difference between being a writer and being an author, and why that distinction matters-How most leaders sabotage their books by skipping strategy and alignment-Why books are solutions to problems, not creative projects-The biggest mistakes leaders make when self-publishing-How a book can increase conversions, credibility, and confidence-When publishing a book actually makes sense, and when it doesn’t-Why execution matters more than ideas in a market with millions of booksSonia brings the conversation back to what leaders really care about:-clarity, momentum, confidence, and progress.If you’re building a personal brand, consulting business, or leadership platform, and you’ve been told “you need a book” but don’t know where to start, this episode gives you the logic, structure, and mindset shift to decide your next move.This isn’t about becoming an author for ego. It’s about using a book as a tool for growth, credibility, and resilience.Listen or watch full episodes: https://soniacouto.com/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Tenacity with Sonia C is a podcast for founders building real companies. Each episode explores how founders decide what to build, how they prioritize, and how they navigate uncertainty as they move from idea to product and from product to growth.Most founders obsess over building the product, but not when they exit, and that’s where they lose leverage, leave money on the table, and sometimes watch their company’s culture get dismantled after the deal.In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C., Sonia sits down with Kevon Saber (multi-exit founder and the mind behind Legacy Outcomes) to unpack the uncomfortable truth: the M&A system favours repeat buyers, not first-time sellers. Kevon shares what he learned after multiple exits, why smart founders still get outmaneuvered, how to prepare your company years before a sale, and how to protect your people and mission when private equity or a strategic buyer comes knocking.You’ll learn:Why founders often get “intoxicated” by the idea of an exit, and how it costs themThe difference between selling and achieving a peak outcome (right buyer, right price, right terms)What buyers actually value (hint: it’s not always the flashy partnerships)The 3 pillars to build with exit in mind: team, systems/documentation, and unit economicsHow to improve metrics before going to market, and why a good advisor may tell you to wait 6–12 monthsHow to reduce regret by defining your seller objectives before emotions take overHow founders can put commitments in writing (employees, pricing, community/charity) and why buyer character matters even moreA real founder lesson: you can change skills, but you can’t change character, and why co-founder alignment is everythingWhat “spark” interest from a big company really means, and what a realistic timeline to close actually looks likeIf you’re bootstrapping, pre-revenue, scaling fast, or simply building something you care deeply about, this conversation is your reminder: exit strategy isn’t a last-minute event, it’s a leadership decision.Listen or watch full episodes: https://soniacouto.com/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Tenacity with Sonia C is a podcast for founders building real companies. Each episode explores how founders decide what to build, how they prioritize, and how they navigate uncertainty as they move from idea to product and from product to growth.What if the biggest thing holding your business back… is you?In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C., Sonia sits down with Jason Berkowitz, founder and CEO of a 15-year SEO agency, to unpack one of the hardest lessons founders must learn to scale: the power of delegation.Jason shares his journey from solo operator to agency leader, and why trying to do everything himself nearly became the biggest bottleneck in his business. Together, Sonia and Jason have a raw, honest conversation about letting go of control, trusting your team, and why founders who refuse to delegate often stall their own growth.They dive into:Why do founders become the biggest bottleneck in their companiesThe mindset shift required to move from freelancer to scalable founderHow delegation unlocks better execution, stronger teams, and real growthLetting go of the fear that “no one will care as much as I do.”Making tough people decisions without guiltBuilding a business that scales without burnout or constant hustleThis episode is for founders who feel overwhelmed, stretched thin, or stuck doing everything themselves, and know something has to change.If you’ve ever thought “I’ll just do it myself”, this conversation may be the wake-up call you need.Listen or watch full episodes: https://soniacouto.com/Share your biggest takeaway and tag me: https://www.instagram.com/soniactechAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Tenacity with Sonia C is a podcast for founders building real companies. Each episode explores how founders decide what to build, how they prioritize, and how they navigate uncertainty as they move from idea to product and from product to growth.Every founder eventually faces the same hard question:Do I pivot, or do I hold the line?In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C., I sit down with award-winning filmmaker and executive producer Jaze Bordeaux to unpack what that decision really looks like when everything is on the line.Jaze shares the behind-the-scenes reality of independent filmmaking, from raising capital and navigating chaos to losing a third of his story mid-production and still completing what most never do. We discuss why filmmaking is no different from building a startup, how structure can save your vision, and why knowing what to kill versus what to protect is one of the most critical leadership skills a founder can develop.This conversation is for founders, creators, and entrepreneurs who are navigating pressure from investors, constant pivots, and the temptation to compromise to keep moving forward.In this episode, we cover:-When pivoting is strategic, and when it costs you your vision-How to lead when everything is breaking at once-Why most projects fail before they ever reach the market-The difference between ideas that sink your business and ideas that elevate it-How patience, timing, and structure create real momentumIf you’re building something original and questioning whether to change course or stand your ground, this episode will help you think clearly, lead strongly, and move forward with conviction.Listen or watch full episodes: https://soniacouto.com/Share your biggest takeaway and tag me: https://www.instagram.com/soniactechAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Tenacity with Sonia C is a podcast for founders building real companies. Each episode explores how founders decide what to build, how they prioritize, and how they navigate uncertainty as they move from idea to product and from product to growth.Ego can build companies, and it can destroy them.In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C., Host Sonia Couto sits down with Robert Matzkin, serial entrepreneur, coach, and advisor who has launched 17 startups and exited two, to unpack the hard truths about ego, execution, burnout, and rebuilding as a founder.Robert shares how unchecked ego nearly cost him businesses, relationships, and clarity, and how learning to listen to data, coaches, and the market changed the way he builds and leads. From launching his first business at a young age to navigating investor pressure, failed bets, and personal burnout, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to survive and scale in entrepreneurship.Together, Sonia and Robert dive into:Why the ego is one of the most dangerous forces in entrepreneurshipThe difference between being coachable and ignoring your instinctsHow founders can recover from burnout without losing momentumWhat investors actually look for when raising capital todayWhy execution and traction matter more than ideasHow to protect yourself from bad investors and broken partnershipsWhy the most successful founders still have coachesThis episode is for founders, startup leaders, and entrepreneurs who are navigating pivots, failure, burnout, or high-stakes decisions and need grounded, real-world insight from someone who’s been there.If you’ve ever questioned yourself as a founder, struggled with ego, or felt the weight of building alone, this conversation will remind you that tenacity isn’t about being fearless, it’s about learning, adapting, and executing anyway.Listen or watch full episodes: https://soniacouto.com/Share your biggest takeaway and tag me: https://www.instagram.com/soniactechAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Most founders don’t fail because of a lack of passion. They fail because they don’t understand their numbers.In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Phillips, Co-Founder and COO of Fully Accountable, to break down the financial blind spots that quietly sink startups, and the simple systems that can save them.Rachel went from practicing law to building one of the fastest-growing outsourced accounting firms in the digital and e-commerce space. But her journey wasn’t smooth. At one point, she was running payroll with $2 in the bank account, choosing to bet on herself rather than take on the wrong clients.This conversation is packed with the kind of clarity every founder needs, especially if numbers make you nervous.We talk about:• The #1 financial mistake early founders make• Why your bank account balance is NOT an indicator of success• When you actually need a CFO (and when you absolutely don’t)• Cutting the bottom 20% to double your profit• How to turn your accounting department into a profit center• Building and scaling a remote-first culture long before it was normal• The moment Rachel realized she had to niche down or risk losing everythingIf you are scaling, pivoting, fundraising, or simply trying to understand your financial reality, this episode will give you the confidence and clarity you’ve been avoiding.Listen or watch full episodes: https://soniacouto.com/Share your biggest takeaway and tag me: https://www.instagram.com/soniactechAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

At just 20 years old, Aleksandar Svetski lost everything, $200,000 in debt, wiped out by the stock market, living on a friend’s floor, and selling door-to-door to afford a can of tuna. That rock-bottom moment didn’t break him; it built him.In this raw and unapologetic conversation, Sonia sits down with Alex to unpack the failures, pivots, and rebuilds that shaped his unconventional path from debt to becoming a leading voice in the Bitcoin space. From early entrepreneurial mistakes to launching the world’s first Bitcoin-only savings app to stepping away when regulation and burnout crushed his joy. Alex shares the truth behind resilience that most founders rarely discuss.In this episode, we dive into:Losing $200K and rebuilding from zeroThe life-changing lessons of door-to-door rejectionWhy his early startup failed and how that led to BitcoinBattling regulators while trying to innovateKnowing when persistence becomes self-destructionHow to avoid “founder Frankenstein” product mistakesWhat the next generation of Bitcoin adoption will really look likeIf you’re a founder facing uncertainty, burnout, or the fear of letting go, this episode will challenge how you think about resilience and what it truly means to rebuild.Listen or watch full episodes: https://soniacouto.com/Share your biggest takeaway and tag me: https://www.instagram.com/soniactechAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What makes a founder walk away from stability, an excellent salary, and a clear corporate path, just to start over from scratch?In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C., Marco Benitez, CEO of ROOK, shares the pivotal moment that changed the trajectory of his life. From a national Taekwondo champion in Mexico to a biomedical engineer and then climbing the ladder in big pharma, Marco had everything society tells us to want. Yet he felt deeply unfulfilled.When his wife asked, “Why are you so sad?”, it forced him to face a truth he’d been avoiding: he was meant to build, not maintain.Sonia and Marco unpack:⚡ The internal battle between comfort and purpose⚡ How he navigated a high-risk pivot from fitness wearables to healthcare & insurance⚡ The real emotional cost behind raising capital (400 investor calls!)⚡ Why being “in love with the problem, not the product” saved his company⚡ What founders misunderstand about resilience and long-term vision⚡ The future of health data, wearables, and consumer control⚡ How to make the leap when fear has you frozenThis episode is a powerful reminder that tenacity isn’t loud; it’s the quiet decision to keep walking, even when the world tells you to stay where it’s safe.Follow us on: Website: https://www.soniacouto.com/PodcastIG Channel: https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/IG Host: https://www.instagram.com/soniactechTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soniactechYou Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenacitywithSoniaCLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniacouto/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555526145296Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What does it take to build and scale a tech startup while your country is under attack?In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, Ukrainian founder Oleksandr (“Alex”) Buratynskyi, co-founder of T-Travel, shares the raw, unfiltered truth about growing a startup during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with no outside funding, constant uncertainty, and the pressure to keep his team motivated while the world around him shifted overnight.Alex opens up about:The hackathon spark that pushed him from QA testing into entrepreneurshipBootstrapping T-Travel through wartime conditions when investors disappearedHow the invasion changed everything, from funding to timelines to team moraleThe biggest mistake he made as a founder (and how it cost years of time and money)Why overbuilding early nearly crushed the companyHow he scaled to 37,000+ users without VC dollarsThe mindset tools he used to stay steady while leading through crisisHis philosophy from his book Systematic Adaptiveness, and how founders can apply it in their own moments of chaosThis conversation serves as a blueprint for fostering founder resilience, resourcefulness, and psychological endurance.If you’re navigating failure, rebuilding after a setback, or fighting to keep your dream alive, Alex’s story will remind you that tenacity is a strategy, not just a trait.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

When you try to serve everyone, you end up serving no one.In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C., Sonia Couto sits down with Gabriel Kaam, founder and CEO of K&R, to unpack one of the hardest, but smartest, growth decisions a founder can make: niching down.Gabriel shares how focusing his agency on fashion and luxury e-commerce helped him land clients like L’Oréal, Givenchy, and Louis Vuitton, without a sales team. He opens up about the early struggles of scaling, why being small became his biggest superpower, and how founders can win trust from big clients, even when you’re still building.You’ll learn:Why niching down is the key to sustainable growthHow being small and flexible can attract global brandsThe truth about managing client expectations and setting boundariesHow to sell your idea before your productWhy cheap hires cost more in the long runIf you’re building a startup, agency, or SaaS, this episode is your reminder that focus isn’t a limitation; it’s leverage.Website: https://www.soniacouto.com/PodcastIG Channel: https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/IG Host: https://www.instagram.com/soniactech TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@techiesoniacYou Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenacitywithSoniaCLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniacouto/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555526145296Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What does it take to leave a decade-long career at JP Morgan and build a profitable fintech startup in one of the most stigmatized industries in America, Cannabis?In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C., host Sonia Couto sits down with Aubrey Amatelli, founder and CEO of PayRio, the first payment provider focused exclusively on cannabis and alternative medicines.Aubrey shares her journey from the stability of corporate banking to the chaos of startup life, all while raising three kids as a single mom. She opens up about:Leaving JP Morgan to launch a cannabis fintech from scratchTurning stigma into strategy in an underbanked industryHitting profitability in under 12 months, self-fundedBalancing motherhood, burnout, and leadership in a male-dominated spaceHow one platform crash reshaped her entire approach to resilienceThis conversation is a masterclass in tenacity, purpose-driven leadership, and building credibility when the system isn’t built for you.🎧 Listen if you’re a founder breaking barriers, rebuilding after setbacks, or redefining success in a stigmatized industry.Website: https://www.soniacouto.com/PodcastIG Channel: https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/ IG Host: https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniac TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@techiesoniac You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenacitywithSoniaC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniacouto/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555526145296Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

When you think of breast cancer, you probably don’t think of men, but you should.In this episode, Phil Alderson shares his story of surviving male breast cancer, a diagnosis most men never imagine they’ll face. From the moment he found a lump to navigating isolation, stigma, and the lack of male-focused support, Phil’s honesty will challenge what you think you know about breast cancer.As two survivors, one male, one female, Sonia and Phil go into:- The reality of male breast cancer (yes, it happens)- Why early detection saves lives- How stigma and silence make men more vulnerable- The need for more inclusive awareness and language- Rebuilding identity and purpose after cancerIf you’re a man, a father, a brother, this episode could save a life.Website: https://www.soniacouto.com/PodcastIG Channel: https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/ IG Host: https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniac TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@techiesoniac You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenacitywithSoniaC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniacouto/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555526145296Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

When Alexandra Goldwell was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer as a single parent and lifelong healer, she was forced to confront the limits of her strength and the depth of her beliefs about healing. A psychologist and somatic therapist for over 25 years, Alexandra had spent her career helping others process pain, but breast cancer became her most personal teacher.In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, we have an honest and transformative conversation. Alexandra shares how she approached her diagnosis differently, why she delayed surgery, and the mental and emotional practices that helped her navigate fear, isolation, and uncertainty. We also talk about the often-ignored post-cancer phase, the disorientation, the grief over a changed body, and the process of redefining your identity and priorities after survival.This isn’t just a story about breast cancer; it’s about agency, resilience, and rewriting your life on your own terms.🎧 Listen now for a conversation that will speak to anyone facing a life-changing diagnosis, a significant transition, or the challenge of starting over.Website: https://www.soniacouto.com/PodcastIG Channel: https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/ IG Host: https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniac TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@techiesoniac YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenacitywithSoniaC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniacouto/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555526145296Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What does it mean to be a parent when your child is fighting for her life? For Bob Furniss, the answer was to stand beside his daughter Keisha, as her advocate, her cheerleader, and eventually, the keeper of her legacy.In this profoundly emotional conversation, Bob shares his journey as the father of a young woman diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer at just 30 years old. He opens up about the moment everything stopped, what it means to advocate for a loved one in the doctor’s office, and the heartbreaking reality of watching his daughter fight for four years before passing away at 34.But Bob didn’t stop at grief. He and his family founded Keisha Warrior Princess Foundation to spread awareness, empower young women to do self-exams, and prevent others from missing the early signs. He also wrote On to Blue, a memoir of love, resilience, and lessons learned from Keisha’s warrior spirit.This episode is a rare and powerful look at breast cancer through the eyes of a parent. It’s about loss, hope, and the courage to turn pain into purpose.🎧 Listen now to hear Bob’s story, and the question he believes every dad should ask his daughter.Website: https://www.soniacouto.com/PodcastIG Channel: https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/ IG Host: https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniac TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@techiesoniac YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenacitywithSoniaC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniacouto/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555526145296Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

When Christie Cioffi was diagnosed with breast cancer just days after her 36th birthday, her world turned upside down. A West Point graduate, Army veteran, and marathon runner, Christie was no stranger to discipline and resilience, but cancer forced her to confront an entirely different battle: rebuilding her confidence, identity, and sense of self.In this raw and empowering conversation, Christie shares how she navigated her diagnosis, made life-altering decisions about her body, and ultimately discovered a deeper sense of authenticity and leadership. We talk about what it means to date after cancer, the power of therapy, and how embracing vulnerability can become a superpower.This episode isn’t just about surviving breast cancer; it’s about what comes next: learning to trust yourself, letting go of old stories, and stepping into life with confidence and peace.🎧 Tune in for an honest conversation on resilience, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to rebuild after cancer.Website: https://www.soniacouto.com/PodcastIG Channel: https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/ IG Host: https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniac TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@techiesoniac YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenacitywithSoniaC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniacouto/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555526145296Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Fitz Koehler built her career as a fitness expert and race announcer, inspiring thousands with her energy and passion. But when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, her life took a turn that tested every ounce of her strength.In this candid conversation on Tenacity with Sonia C, Fitz opens up about the realities of treatment, the toll it took on her career, and the grit it took to keep showing up with a microphone in hand, even while battling cancer. She shares how humour, community, and unapologetic authenticity became her survival tools, and why she believes resilience is something we can all train for.We also delve into the lessons she now carries forward: redefining strength, rebuilding after loss, and finding purpose in helping others navigate life’s most challenging obstacles.🎧 This is more than a cancer story; it’s about grit, joy, and refusing to let hardship steal your spotlight. #breastcancerWebsite: https://www.soniacouto.com/PodcastIG Channel: https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/ IG Host: https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniac TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@techiesoniac YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenacitywithSoniaC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniacouto/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555526145296Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

When Erica Campbell answered the call from her doctor late on a Friday afternoon, her world stopped. A breast cancer diagnosis instantly brought back memories of losing her mother to the disease, and fears of history repeating itself.In this candid conversation, Erica opens up about the emotions of that moment, why she chose a double mastectomy, and how reconstruction shaped her relationship with her body. She and I dive into the raw, often unspoken truths about femininity, control, fear of recurrence, and the difficult decisions women face between lumpectomy and double mastectomy.Erica also shares the inspiration behind her influential book The Mastectomy I Always Wanted, her work leading the Pinky Swear Foundation for children with cancer, and the leadership lessons cancer taught her: vulnerability, compassion, and the power of trust.This isn’t just a breast cancer story. It’s about reclaiming choice, reframing struggle, and discovering freedom on the other side of fear.🎧 Tune in to hear why Erica believes the most significant lesson is never to give up, and why no one has to go through this journey alone. #breastcancerWebsite: https://www.soniacouto.com/PodcastIG Channel: https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/ IG Host: https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniac TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@techiesoniac YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenacitywithSoniaC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniacouto/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555526145296Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What does it take to lead in tech, especially when you don’t fit the mould?In this episode, Sonia sits down with Meeky Hwang, co-founder and CEO of Ndevr, a WordPress development agency trusted by global brands like Bloomberg, Forbes, and Sony. But this isn’t a conversation about code, it’s about the quiet power of resilience, leadership, and building a business as a woman in a male-dominated industry.Meeky shares her real, raw story, from accidentally starting a company to buying out a co-founder and learning to let go (even when it hurts). You’ll hear how she built credibility with major clients not by being the loudest in the room but by being the most consistent. Plus, she opens up about burnout, journaling, impostor syndrome, and what founders can do when they feel stuck or alone.You’ll learn:Why being “quiet” can be a superpower in leadershipThe hardest decisions she’s had to make as a founderWhat to do when scaling feels impossibleHow community and honesty can fuel long-term resilienceWhether you’re an early-stage founder or deep in the trenches, this episode reminds you that you don’t have to have it all figured out, you have to keep showing up.Website: https://www.soniacouto.com/PodcastIG Channel: https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/ IG Host: https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniac TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@techiesoniac YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenacitywithSoniaC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniacouto/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555526145296Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What does it take to build an AI startup that manages over $30 billion in assets and challenges everything we know about investing?In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, Sonia sits down with Alexander Harmsen, founder of PortfolioPilot.com, a next-gen AI financial advisor transforming how we manage money, risk, and decision-making. A serial entrepreneur, YC alum, and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Alexander previously founded and sold Iris Automation, worked on NASA’s Mars Helicopter, and raised over $30M in venture capital.You’ll learn:How AI is disrupting traditional financial advisingWhy founders struggle with financial decision-making, and how tech can helpLessons from scaling two AI startups, raising capital, and going through Y CombinatorThe psychology behind investor mistakes, and how PortfolioPilot corrects themWhether you’re building a startup, investing in tech, or looking to understand where AI in finance is headed next, this episode delivers actionable insights and founder wisdom.🎧 Tune in to learn what it really takes to scale a high-impact AI companyWebsite: https://www.soniacouto.com/PodcastIG Channel: https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/ IG Host: https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniac TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@techiesoniac YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenacitywithSoniaC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniacouto/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555526145296Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

AI isn’t here to replace you, it’s here to require more of you. In this conversation, I sit down with Nicole Hilgenkamp, an AI literacy advocate and people-first leader who made a mid-career pivot into AI while managing large teams and raising three daughters. We get honest about what “AI-literate” means, why prompting is a skill (not a hack), how to use agents to augment your team, and the guardrails every company needs before rolling out AI. We also talk about resistance at work, building internal champions, and the messy middle of change for leaders and schools that haven’t caught up yet.You’ll learn:How to move from “I tried ChatGPT once” to consistent, outcome-driven useSimple ways leaders can set AI policy, protect privacy, and keep a human in the loopHow to get your team to adopt AI (community of practice, super users, small wins)Why asking better questions beats copying other people’s promptsA people-first framework for piloting AI across your orgIf you’re a founder, manager, or creative trying to make AI a daily edge, not a threat, this one’s for you.Website: https://www.soniacouto.com/PodcastIG Channel: https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/IG Host: https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniacTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@techiesoniacYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenacitywithSoniaCLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniacouto/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555526145296Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

After a career-ending concussion pushed him off the ice, former pro hockey player Brandon Cullen reinvented himself as the co-founder of MADaboli, the strength-driven interval training franchise built for high performers. What started as one studio has grown to 45+ locations nationwide, with a vision rooted in strength, structure, and accountability.In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, Brandon shares how the athlete mindset translates into entrepreneurship, the hard lessons of scaling a franchise, and why focusing on a clear niche beats chasing the masses. We dig into partnership dynamics, daily founder struggles, and the principle of “the disciplined pursuit of less” that keeps him focused through every growth stage.Whether you’re a founder hitting a wall or an entrepreneur trying to scale with intention, this conversation will challenge you to double down on clarity, consistency, and courage.This episode is brought to you by Konverge: https://www.konverge.com/Website: https://www.soniacouto.com/PodcastIG Channel: https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/ IG Host: https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniac TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@techiesoniac YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenacitywithSoniaC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniacouto/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555526145296Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this powerful episode, Sonia sits down with Murielle Ungricht, an entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and founder of the AI-powered coaching platform Nuumani, for a raw and inspiring conversation on turning perceived weaknesses into your greatest strengths.Murielle shares her journey from building web development businesses in the early 2000s to launching Nuumani, a startup merging AI and human connection to democratize coaching. She opens up about how autism has shaped her leadership style, startup strategies, and commitment to authenticity, even when it meant breaking from conventional paths.We dive deep into:How Murielle bootstrapped and validated her AI startupThe emotional and strategic hurdles of building in the AI eraWhy embracing neurodivergence became her superpowerThe mindset shifts needed to escape burnout and unlock momentumThe story behind her book Get Unstuck! and her 10 years of coachingWhether you’re an unconventional founder, stuck, or searching for the courage to lead differently, this conversation is a must-listen.Website: https://www.soniacouto.com/PodcastIG Channel: https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/ IG Host: https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniac TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@techiesoniac YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenacitywithSoniaC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniacouto/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555526145296Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What does it really take to grow from solopreneur to CEO of a franchise? In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, fitness entrepreneur Devan Gonzalez breaks down the gritty, behind-the-scenes reality of scaling a business, without losing your sanity or your standards.Devan went from personal trainer to 6-figure business owner by 20, and now leads Strive 11 Fitness, a disruptive no-class-time fitness franchise. Sonia and Devan dive into the real challenges of building operational systems, hiring the right leadership team, and designing a business that can scale without the founder in every room.🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:How Devan validated a bold new fitness modelWhy most founders sabotage their own scaleWhat it really means to lead vs. micromanageDevan’s $8K CRM mistake, and the lesson behind itWhether you're leading a team, planning a franchise, or stuck in solopreneur mode, this episode delivers hard-won insights on leadership, process, and founder growth.Hit play and learn why every level of growth comes with new devils, and how to outsmart them.This episode is brought to you by: https://www.konverge.comWebsite: https://www.soniacouto.com/PodcastIG Channel: https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/ IG Host: https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniac TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@techiesoniac YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenacitywithSoniaC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniacouto/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555526145296Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

How do you go from being a successful real estate entrepreneur to the founder of a movement? In today’s episode, I sit down with Ceiwen Garcia, a leader, community builder, and visionary behind The Boss Network. With nearly two decades in the real estate world, Ceinwen has pivoted into creating extraordinary spaces for connection, growth, and empowerment, especially for women, but everyone is welcome in her ecosystem.In this heartfelt conversation, you’ll hear Ceinwen reflect on the transformative moments that led her from Kelowna realtor to award-winning entrepreneur, why she believes “the people are her why,” and how she navigated burnout, self-doubt, and mistakes with grace and grit. She gives us a raw, unfiltered look at how to build community, step into purpose, and not just dream big, but dream ridiculously big.Whether you’re a founder, a creative, a caregiver, or someone searching for your next bold chapter, this conversation is for you. It’s a reminder that fulfillment isn’t just about what you build but who you lift up along the way. Get ready to feel seen, empowered, and prepared to start your next chapter.https://www.ceinwen.ca, https://www.thebossnetwork.ca [email protected] episode is brought to you by: https://www.konverge.comWebsite: https://www.soniacouto.com/PodcastIG Channel: https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/ IG Host: https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniac TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@techiesoniac YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenacitywithSoniaC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniacouto/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555526145296Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What happens when your childhood dream is ripped away, and you’re forced to start over at 17?In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, we dive into the extraordinary reinvention story of Jacopo Iasiello, CEO of Luxury and Wealth Group. Jacopo shares the raw, behind-the-scenes journey of building wealth from scratch, from a career-ending soccer injury to launching a jewelry business at 18 and eventually closing over 350+ real estate deals.We talk about:-The mindset shift that helped him pivot from athlete to entrepreneur-His bold move to Africa to source diamonds, and what it taught him about trust and timing-The $1 million mistake that nearly broke him, and how he bounced back-Why doesn’t he believe in “burning the boats”-His M.P.B.E. method for staying grounded while scalingIf you’re building something and feel stuck, burned out, or ready to quit, this episode will remind you that reinvention is always possible.Website: https://healthyrichandhappy.comThis episode is brought to you by: https://www.konverge.comWebsite: https://www.soniacouto.com/PodcastIG Channel: https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/ IG Host: https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniac TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@techiesoniac YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenacitywithSoniaC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniacouto/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555526145296Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this soulful and thought-provoking episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, Sonia sits down with Mona Bavar, founder of BlueApples.ai and DLISH to explore how the future of creativity is being shaped at the intersection of AI, intuition, and innovation.Mona shares her journey from finance to founding a luxury gifting company and an AI consultancy, revealing how tech tools helped her rediscover her creativity and reframe storytelling as a deeply human act. The conversation unpacks the myths around AI replacing creativity, why authenticity matters more than ever, and how founders can build brands with real resonance, not just noise.If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or disconnected from your “why,” this episode is a powerful reminder that imagination isn’t lost in adulthood, it’s just waiting to be reawakened.Key themes:Using AI as a creative catalyst, not a crutchThe role of founder vulnerability in building unforgettable brandsHow to stay grounded in an era of algorithmic overwhelmWhy stepping back can sometimes move you forwardTune in to rediscover the power of soul, story, and strategy in your entrepreneurial journey.This episode is brought to you by: https://www.konverge.comFollow our host: @techiesoniacFollow our IG channel: @TenacitywithSoniacListen or watch more episodes: https://soniacouto.com/podcastAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this unfiltered episode, Sonia sits down with Anthony Franco, a serial founder with six successful exits, to dismantle the myths around startup success. From the dreamer trap to overbuilding features no one asked for, Anthony shares hard-won lessons that every founder needs to hear.They unpack:-Why execution beats ideas (even in the age of AI)-What founders get wrong about funding and MVPs-The myth of “just hire a salesperson” for growth-How burnout is often a signal you’re not winning, and what to do about itWhether stuck in the idea phase, building in silence, or chasing VC validation, this episode is a gut-check every early-stage founder needs. Because, as Anthony puts it, “Entrepreneurs sell. Everything else is a hobby.”This episode is brought to you by: https://www.konverge.comFollow our host: @techiesoniacFollow our IG channel: @TenacitywithSoniacListen or watch more episodes: https://soniacouto.com/podcastAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

I expected a tech conversation when I sat down to interview Boardy, a voice-powered AI designed to connect founders. I didn’t expect a heart-to-heart about loneliness, leadership, and what it means to feel heard.Boardy isn’t a therapist, but the founders are calling to talk. Why? Because he listens without judgment, ego, or distractions.In this one-of-a-kind episode, you’ll hear:The surprisingly emotional side of AIWhy voice tech is reshaping how we build trustThe loneliness that founders rarely talk aboutWhether AI can understand human connectionThis isn’t your typical tech interview. It’s a glimpse into the emotional frontier of innovation.🎧 Tune in, you’ll be surprised by what you feel.This episode is brought to you by: https://www.konverge.comFollow our host: @techiesoniacFollow our IG channel: @TenacitywithSoniacListen or watch more episodes: https://soniacouto.com/podcastAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, Sonia sits down with Jim Fielding, former President of Disney Stores, The Gap, and 20th Century Fox consumer products, author of the best-selling book All Pride, No Ego, and now a full-time coach, speaker, and angel investor.Jim shares his journey from the heights of Hollywood and corporate leadership to redefining success through purpose, authenticity, and service. He opens up about the burnout that led him to walk away from it all, and the clarity that followed.We dive deep into:The “ikigai” philosophy that transformed his lifeWhy confidence beats arrogance when raising capitalHow to lead through layoffs and acquisitions with empathyWhen founders should step back, and how to do it with graceBuilding your board of directorsPlus, Jim gives must-hear advice for early-stage founders struggling with ego, leadership gaps, or burnout.If you’re a startup founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or curious about what it takes to lead and grow with impact, this is a can’t-miss conversation.This episode is brought to you by: https://www.konverge.comFollow our host: @techiesoniacFollow our IG channel: @TenacitywithSoniacListen or watch more episodes: https://soniacouto.com/podcastAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Are you ready to break free from self-doubt and unlock true self-mastery?In this inspiring episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, discover how to cultivate lasting self-confidence and a powerful mindset with the help of Madelaine Weiss, a Harvard-trained psychotherapist, mindset expert, and author of 'Getting to G.R.E.A.T.'Together, we reveal the real work behind self-mastery and why self-confidence is not an innate trait, but a skill you can develop. Madelaine shares science-backed strategies, practical tools, and personal stories that have empowered professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs to overcome limiting beliefs and mental barriers.🎧 Tune in to learn:- The critical difference between self-confidence and competence- How to rewrite your inner script and silence self-doubt - Why real self-confidence grows through action and experience- The hidden struggles of high achievers with self-mastery and insecurity- How to navigate life transitions with a resilient mindset. If you seek actionable steps to build self-confidence and elevate your mindset, this episode is your blueprint for personal and professional growth.Guest Information: https://madelaineweiss.com This episode is brought to you by: https://www.konverge.comWebsite: https://www.soniacouto.com/PodcastIG Channel: https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/ IG Host: https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniac TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@techiesoniac YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenacitywithSoniaC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniacouto/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555526145296Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, we discuss the future of ethical content creation with Jon Gillham, the visionary founder of Originality.AI.As a pioneer in AI content and plagiarism detection, Jon reveals the pivotal moment that inspired him to launch a leading detection tool, just days before ChatGPT changed the landscape, and how he’s navigating the rapid rise of generative AI.We explore the real-world ethics of using AI for content creation, the risks of Google penalties for AI-generated content, and proven strategies for building trustworthy SEO with advanced AI tools. Jon shares why human-in-the-loop processes are essential for authentic content, lessons from his first startup exit, the benefits of bootstrapping, and how fostering a red team/blue team culture keeps his team at the forefront of AI development.Whether you’re a founder scaling content, a marketer concerned about false positives, or a startup seeking growth without VC pressure, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom.🎧 Listen now to discover:- Why is not all AI content spam, but all spam is now AI- What distinguishes high-performing teams in AI content detection - How to use plagiarism detection tools responsibly without harming your SEO- Why bootstrapping could be your startup’s smartest move This episode is brought to you by: https://www.konverge.comWebsite: https://www.soniacouto.com/PodcastIG Channel: https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/ IG Host: https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniac TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@techiesoniac YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenacitywithSoniaC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniacouto/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555526145296Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Podcasting isn’t just a trend; it’s a strategic tool for building absolute authority and influence. In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C., I sit down with Dennis Meador, founder of the Legal Podcast Network, to unpack how service-based professionals can leverage podcasting to boost credibility and grow their personal brand.From launching side hustles as a teenager to leading a podcast production company that supports over 100 law firms, Dennis shares the mindset and strategies that helped him scale—and how you can apply them too. We dive into the difference between thought leadership and proper authority, why most shows don’t last, and the role of consistency in content success.Whether you’re launching your first episode or looking to refine your show, this conversation is packed with practical advice.In This Episode:Why podcasting works for personal brandingThe pitfalls that cause most podcasts to failHow to position yourself as a trusted authorityWhat service professionals must know about content longevityThis episode is brought to you by: https://www.konverge.comWebsite: https://www.soniacouto.com/PodcastIG Channel: https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/ IG Host: https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniac TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@techiesoniac YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenacitywithSoniaC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniacouto/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555526145296Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What if retaining your best people wasn’t about perks or pay, but about purpose and leadership?In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C., I’m joined by Francie Jain, Founder and CEO of Terawatt Group Coaching, to explore how leaders can build cultures where people don’t just stay, they grow. With over a decade of leadership strategy and coaching, Francie breaks down the root causes of employee turnover and how expert-led group coaching is reshaping how companies support and engage their teams.We discuss why traditional retention strategies fall flat, what high-performing cultures have in common, and how leaders can create workplaces that inspire loyalty, growth, and genuine connection.In This Episode:Why employees actually leaveThe ROI of leadership coachingHow to build a culture of growth and trustThe role of group coaching in retentionWebsite: https://www.soniacouto.com/PodcastIG Channel: https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/ IG Host: https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniac TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@techiesoniac YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenacitywithSoniaC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniacouto/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555526145296Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What happens when a creative mind meets cutting-edge tech? In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C., I sit down with Emmy-winning TV producer turned founder, Erich Archer, to unpack how he transitioned from storytelling on screen to solving real business problems with AI.Erich shares the behind-the-scenes journey of launching Smarty Pants, an ecosystem of over 100 custom GPT tools powering automation and innovation for startups, nonprofits, and creators. We talk about the mindset shift from creative to tech founder, how to identify real pain points in business, and why AI isn’t replacing humans, it’s amplifying them.In This Episode:The leap from media to tech entrepreneurshipBuilding useful AI tools from scratchHow GPTs can accelerate business growthLessons from launching 100+ tools without a tech backgroundSponsored by KonvergeCustom software solutions, proudly built in Canada for over 31 years. Learn more at konverge.comThis one’s for builders and the curious. Please share it with someone exploring how to harness AI in their business.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What if the key to startup success wasn’t scaling fast, but starting smaller and smarter?In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C., I sit down with Peter Bonney, founder of Vendorful, a SaaS platform revolutionizing B2B procurement and enterprise sales. Peter shares his unfiltered founder story, from building too broadly and burning out to rebooting with clarity, focus, and AI.We explore how Vendorful now helps teams eliminate thousands of hours of manual work on RFPs and security questionnaires and the mindset shift that made it all possible.In This Episode:The biggest mistake Peter made in his first startupWhy your MVP should be messy (and small)How AI is transforming B2B workflowsStarting over with clarity and lean thinkingSponsored by KonvergeA Canadian leader in custom software development for over 31 years. Visit konverge.comDo you know a founder navigating pivots or platform strategy? Share this episode; it might save them months of guesswork.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What happens when ancient plant medicine meets modern wellness entrepreneurship?In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C., I sit down with Trish Mock, founder of GOOD PSYCHE, a wellness company that blends the wisdom of medicinal mushrooms and herbs with contemporary healing practices. Trish shares her powerful journey from growing up on her family’s medicinal herb farm to launching a mission-driven brand grounded in holistic health.We talk about what it takes to grow a wellness company from the ground up, the challenges of educating a modern audience, and the deeper purpose driving GOOD PSYCHE’s evolution.In This Episode:Trish’s journey from farm life to founderThe role of medicinal plants in modern wellnessWhat it takes to build trust in a wellness brandThe emotional and practical sides of launching a purpose-driven companySponsored by Konverge Custom software innovation, proudly Canadian for over 31 years. Explore more at konverge.com Do you know someone who is launching a wellness or purpose-led brand? Share this episode with a founder who leads with heart and healing.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What does it mean to lead with authenticity? In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, host Sonia Couto sits down with Justin Wenzel, founder of JWX, to explore how redefining leadership transformed his life and the lives of those he leads.Justin opens up about growing up in the automotive industry, where his career path was laid out before he even had a say. From excelling in car sales to silently battling addiction and burnout, Justin shares the pivotal moment he decided to break the mould and take control of his story. His transition from surviving in a high-pressure environment to thriving in his own business is a must-have for anyone questioning the traditional definition of success.Episode Sponsored by Konverge – A 31+ year leader in custom software development based in Canada.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, we dive into the world of dating apps with Anthony Tulai, the Founder and CEO of Hopp Dating—an app that's shaking up the industry by eliminating endless swiping and meaningless chats in favor of real-life connections.Anthony shares his unique journey from studying Nanotechnology Engineering at the University of Waterloo to launching a dating app that prioritizes authenticity and in-person meetups. Episode Sponsored by Konverge – A 31+ year leader in custom software development based in Canada.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands