The Entrepreneur’s Studio

Business Growth Through Acquisition Greg Williams How Greg Williams turned Acrisure into a $5B FinTech powerhouse through acquisitions, technology, and relationship-driven growth. Topics Covered: • Scaling a business through strategic acquisitions • Leveraging technology to serve small businesses • Building relationships that fuel growth What does it take to turn a traditional industry into a $5-billion global powerhouse? In this episode, Greg Williams shares how he built Acrisure into one of the fastest-growing companies in the world, by rethinking acquisitions, focusing relentlessly on relationships, and recognizing opportunities others overlooked. Greg Williams is the founder and CEO of Acrisure, a global FinTech company that has completed more than 900 acquisitions since 2013, employs over 19,000 people, and generates more than $5 billion in revenue. Under Greg’s leadership, Acrisure has evolved from a regional insurance brokerage into a technology-driven financial services platform serving millions of clients worldwide. In this conversation, Greg talks about building Acrisure from a lifestyle business into a global FinTech leader. He shares the strategic thinking behind Acrisure’s unique acquisition model that allowed founders to monetize their businesses without losing their identity or leadership. He discusses the importance of securing capital, understanding market fragmentation, and cultivating trusted relationships that fuel long-term growth. As Acrisure shifts from acquisition-driven expansion to technology-enabled organic growth, Greg offers insights into the future of FinTech, the evolving needs of small business clients, and the mindset required to build something truly enduring. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why Acrisure’s differentiated M&A model allowed founders to monetize their businesses without losing control • How strategic capital deployment fueled more than 900 acquisitions and rapid global expansion • Why the future of Acrisure lies in technology, data, and meeting the evolving needs of small business clients “While the world didn’t necessarily need another insurance broker, the industry did. And it had to have an M&A model that was differentiated.” — Greg Williams Acrisure: https://www.acrisure.com If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to The Entrepreneur’s Studio and share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur or business leader who’s thinking about growth, leadership, and building something that lasts. https://www.auris.io/Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

The Entrepreneur’s Studio Reflections: Finding the Gap Others Miss | Shaun White Shaun White reflects on recognizing a broken system in snowboarding—and what it takes to step in, take ownership, and build something better for the next generation. Topics Covered: • How identifying “what’s not working” creates opportunity • Why great leaders build for others, not just themselves • The importance of vision, ownership, and long-term thinking What do you do when you’ve spent your life inside a system that doesn’t quite work? For Shaun White, the answer wasn’t to accept it—it was to rebuild it. In this Reflections episode of The Entrepreneur’s Studio, Shaun shares how years of competing at the highest level gave him a unique perspective on the gaps in professional snowboarding. Disconnected events, inconsistent standards, and a lack of alignment across the sport created an experience that didn’t serve athletes as well as it could. Rather than walking away, Shaun chose to step in. Drawing on decades of experience and relationships, he began connecting athletes, coaches, operators, and investors around a shared vision. His goal was simple but ambitious: create a better system—one that prioritizes athletes, delivers world-class experiences, and builds a sustainable future for the sport. At the heart of it is a mindset entrepreneurs know well. Instead of asking, “What is everyone else doing?” Shaun focused on, “What are they not doing?” That question led to the creation of the Snow League—bringing together top talent, premier locations, and a more intentional approach to competition. For Shaun, this next chapter isn’t about personal achievement. It’s about legacy. It’s about creating opportunities for the athletes coming behind him and building something that continues to evolve long after his own career. • Why the biggest opportunities come from noticing what’s missing • How to rally people around a vision without forcing it • What it means to build something that outlasts your own success “What are they not doing? What’s missing? That’s where the opportunity is.” — Shaun White https://www.auris.io/Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

The Entrepreneur’s Studio From Athlete to Entrepreneur: Shaun White on Risk-Taking, Reinvention, and Building What’s NextThree-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White shares how he’s applying an elite athlete’s mindset to entrepreneurship; building new ventures and reimagining the future of snowboarding.Topics Covered: • Translating an elite performance mindset into business • Finding “white space” and building in untapped markets • Taking calculated risks and committing to long-term visionWhat do you do after you’ve reached the top of your sport? For Shaun White, the answer wasn’t stepping away, it was building something entirely new.In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Studio, Shaun shares how his journey from Olympic champion to entrepreneur has been driven by the same mindset that fueled his success on the slopes. From relentless competitiveness to detailed visualization, he explains how those habits now shape the way he approaches business, risk, and opportunity.A key turning point in Shaun’s career came when he realized that being “as good as everyone else” wasn’t enough. That insight now drives his approach to entrepreneurship, finding differentiation, creating new experiences, and building where others aren’t looking. Whether launching his snowboard brand Whitespace or developing the Snow League, Shaun focuses on identifying gaps in the market and filling them with intention.The conversation also explores Shaun’s relationship with risk. Rather than acting impulsively, he takes a calculated approach, knowing when to push forward and when to step back. He shares how visualization, preparation, and commitment helped him succeed at the highest level in sports, and how those same principles now guide his business decisions.As Shaun transitions from individual competition to leading teams and building companies, he reflects on the importance of patience, collaboration, and long-term thinking. For him, success today isn’t just about winning, it’s about creating something meaningful that lasts and opens doors for the next generation.• Why differentiation—not imitation—is the key to long-term success • How visualization and preparation translate from sport to business • What it means to find and build in “white space” markets“It’s not enough to be as good as everyone else. You’ve got to be better—you’ve got to have something that’s different.” — Shaun WhiteResources Mentioned: Woodward Training Facility Burton Snowboards Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell Good to GreatIf you enjoyed this conversation, share this episode with someone thinking about their next chapter, whether in business, sports, or beyond.https://www.auris.io/Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

The Entrepreneur’s Studio Reflections: Why Authority Doesn’t Make You a Leader | Seth Godin In this Reflections episode, Seth Godin challenges the common belief that authority equals leadership—and explains why true leadership is voluntary, not assigned. Topics Covered: • The difference between managing people and leading them • Why leadership is voluntary—not tied to authority or title • How to create “enrollment” instead of compliance If you have authority in your business, does that automatically make you a leader? According to Seth Godin, the answer is no, and believing it does might be holding you back. In this Reflections episode of The Entrepreneur’s Studio, Seth breaks down the critical difference between management and leadership. Managers rely on authority to drive consistency and results. Leaders, on the other hand, create movement. They point to a future and invite others to come along without guarantees and without forcing compliance. Seth explains that leadership is not about control. It’s about enrollment. Whether with employees or customers, great leaders create the conditions for people to willingly join a journey. Instead of telling people what to do, they tell a story that makes others want to be part of where they’re going. For entrepreneurs, this shift is powerful. You don’t need permission, a title, or a team reporting to you to lead. Leadership starts in small moments, trying something new, creating something meaningful, and inviting others to participate. Over time, those moments build trust, momentum, and real influence. • Why authority can create compliance but not true leadership • How leaders create voluntary followers through vision and story • Why small, consistent actions are the starting point for leadership “Leadership says, I’m going over there, who wants to come?” — Seth Godin https://www.auris.io/Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

The Entrepreneur’s Studio How to Build a Remarkable Brand in the Age of AI | Seth GodinMarketing expert Seth Godin shares how entrepreneurs can build trust, stand out, and create remarkable brands in an AI-driven world.Topics Covered: • Why marketing is really about trust and storytelling • How AI is changing the way brands connect with customers • What makes a brand truly remarkable in a crowded marketIn a world where AI can generate content in seconds, what actually makes a brand stand out? In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Studio, Seth Godin breaks down what it really takes to build a remarkable brand—and why trust, not technology, is still the foundation of great marketing.Seth explains that marketing has never been about shouting the loudest. Instead, it’s about telling a story that resonates with the right people and consistently delivering on the promises you make. In an increasingly noisy digital landscape, trust is earned through clarity, consistency, and a deep understanding of your audience.The conversation also explores the growing role of AI in marketing. While AI can accelerate content creation and scale communication, Seth emphasizes that it cannot replace authenticity. The businesses that will win are the ones that use AI as a tool—while staying grounded in human connection, empathy, and purpose.For small business owners, Seth highlights the importance of differentiation. Being “remarkable” isn’t about appealing to everyone—it’s about being meaningful to someone. He also touches on the role of personal branding, explaining how individuals within a company can amplify trust and create deeper relationships with customers.• Why trust and storytelling are the foundation of effective marketing • How to use AI without losing authenticity and human connection • Why differentiation—not scale—is the key to building a remarkable brand“Successful brands are built with your customers talking about you, not you talking about you...Marketing is about creating the conditions for other people to eagerly spread your idea.” — Seth Godinhttps://www.auris.io/Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

If you’re building a business, you already know that success is no accident.It’s shaped by perseverance, unexpected breakthroughs, and the moments that test everything you thought you knew.Season 4 of The Entrepreneur’s Studio is here, and we’re bringing you a new series of conversations with founders and business leaders who’ve built something meaningful and are willing to talk honestly about what it took to get there.These are the stories behind the stories:the early bets, the bruises, the pivots, and the wisdom gained along the way.If you’re committed to building something real—and staying in the work—you’re in the right place.New episodes drop every Tuesday.Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

This episode is the concluding segment of our roundtable discussion on building high-performance teams. In part one of this conversation, we discussed the difference between lived versus aspirational values and how to discern healthy from unhealthy tension in our teams and organizations. Today, we’re taking it a step further and looking at the importance of humor in our businesses, cultivating mutual accountability and how to live out our values in the midst of challenging circumstances.Joining host and Global Payments HOM, Chris Allen are: multi-dimensional leader and fortune 500 executive, Vince Lombardo, Founder and Chief Strategist at Revisionary, Celine Williams and co-founder and Managing Partner of Mudita (moo-DEE-tah) Venture Partners, Josh Linkner. Key Points:Understanding Rumbling vs. Feedback The importance of levity and humor in businessesCultivating mutual accountabilityLiving your values through adversity Resources/Links: Learn More about our guests:VinceCeline Josh  Follow us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

What if the greatest resource in your businesses isn’t a strategy, technology, or particular skillset—but the health within your teams and cultural dynamics?  In this 2-part roundtable, we are exploring the value systems of building high performance teams. Building on the foundation of our previous roundtable on transformational leadership, we’ll be discussing what it takes to implement transformational leadership on an organizational level, in our businesses and in our teams. Joining host and Global Payments HOM, Chris Allen are three seasoned leaders whose diverse perspectives bring a wealth of experience and insight: Vince Lombardo, a multi-dimensional leader and fortune 500 executive as the President of Heartland. Celine Williams, Founder and Chief Strategist at reVisionary, a boutique consulting firm providing executive coaching, leadership development, and culture services to human-focused businesses around the world and Josh Linkner, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Mudita Venture Partners, an early-stage venture capital firm investing in groundbreaking technologies. Key Points:The courage it takes to change Lived vs. aspirational valuesUnderstanding the difference between healthy and unhealthy tension Resources/Links: Learn More about our guests:VinceCeline Josh  Follow us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Shop Small is a year-round effort that encourages people to support local businesses and communities, with a special focus on Small Business Saturday. Founded by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday has become a nationwide celebration of small businesses. In 2023 alone, U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday spent an estimated $17 billion.In today’s episode, Erin Sweatman of American Express joins us in the studio to share the incredible story of how Shop Small evolved from a single idea into the expansive movement it is today. We’ll also explore how social media plays a crucial role in connecting small businesses with the next generation of shoppers. Based on a study from American Express, 73% of Gen Z say they are more likely to shop with a small business when they see them on social media. Tune in to learn practical ways you can get involved by shopping small and how to participate with Small Business Saturday on November 30th, 2024.Key Points:How we can support small businesses Connecting communities and customersHow to get involved with Shop Small Resources/Links: Learn More about Shop Small Follow us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Disclosures:[3:05] The total reported projected spending of U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday in 2023 reached an estimated $17 billion.[10:10] Based on a study from American Express, 73% of Gen Z said that they are more likely to shop with a small business when they see them on social media.Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

In a world where business leaders are lauded for being cutthroat, Marcus Lemonis does it all with heart and compassion for the “people, process, and product” he aspires to elevate. Marcus Lemonis is a Lebanese-born American businessman, philanthropist and television personality best known for hosting The Profit on CNBC. He has helped numerous companies find success while also expanding his personal brand as a business expert and advocate for entrepreneurs. In this episode, Marcus shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey and mission to help small businesses thrive. We explore the highs and lows of his career, and how his emphasis on building strong relationships has shaped his business philosophy.Key points:Reshaping how business is done Betting on yourself, taking chances on people How recognition and admission of mistakes lead to successResources/Links: Learn more about Marcus Lemnois Follow us on Instagram!Watch full episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

We often think of leadership in terms of externals such as ethical behavior, good communication skills and sound decision making. But true leadership begins from the inside out. Leaders must first recognize and deal with the uglier parts of themselves — emotional blind spots, ego and insecurities. This requires a significant commitment to doing the inner work of transformation. In this episode of The Entrepreneur's Studio, we are tackling this subject with three remarkable guests: Ryan Estis, a sales and leadership expert who champions human-centered growth for sustainable success; Stephanie Spencer, an Enneagram coach known for guiding individuals and teams through life's toughest challenges; and Dr. Olivia Audrey, a board-certified naturopathic doctor, whose holistic approach to leadership and healing has transformed the lives of CEOs, Fortune 500 executives and global leaders. Each of our guests, along with The Entrepreneur’s Studio host, Chris Allen, share a candid conversation geared to help leaders develop practices that not only modify outward behaviors but foster transformation from the inside out.  Key Points:Developing Self-AwarenessTrauma’s impact on how we leadBest practices for transformational leadershipResources/Links: Learn More about our guests.Ryan EstisDr. Olivia AudreyStephanie Spencer __ Follow us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Stephanie J. Spencer is a personal and leadership development coach who utilizes the Enneagram to help clients find new ways forward. She has spent years coaching individuals and teams from around the country, including major universities, local churches, Fortune 500 companies, small businesses and more. In this episode, Stephanie shares why understanding our core motivations and ways of operating are vital to the success of our businesses and team relationships.  Key Points:Why knowing the way we work can help us improve our workHow to Leverage our team’s unique contributions to reach common goals How the Enneagram helps us resolve conflictResources/Links: Learn More about Stephanie J. SpencerDownload the free PDF resource mentioned in this episodeFollow us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Ryan Estis is a sales and leadership expert at the forefront of the human-centered growth movement. He has spent his career in the trenches building high-performing teams and a client roster of category-leading brands. As a strategic advisor and former Fortune 500 CRO, he understands that the key to meaningful results lies in elevating people to their highest potential.In this episode, Ryan shares how individuals and organizations can leverage change as a catalyst for growth and maximize their impact by embracing a human-centered approach to sales, leadership and life.Key Points:3 principles of human-centered leadershipHow our darkest moments can become our defining moments Why the best leaders build other leadersResources/Links: Learn More about Ryan EstisFollow us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

The path of the entrepreneur requires taking calculated risks, developing resilience and an unwavering commitment to strong personal values. Today’s episode features a business owner whose Made From Scratch entrepreneurship embodies each of these qualities along with a deep-rooted faith that led her from investing her last five dollars — to creating a multi-city cupcake empire known as The Cupcake Collection.Mignon Francois is known for developing an iconic cupcake flavor that drew long lines of people to her historic Germantown neighborhood in Nashville, Tennessee. The success of her business ignited a new movement to the area for other businesses to move in and take root as well. Mignon’s business savvy earned her the titles of “Woman of Legend and Merit” by Tennessee State University, “Family Business of the Year” by Black Enterprise Magazine and “Emerging Business Leader of the Year.”Tune in to hear Mignon’s amazing story of courage and resilience and how maintaining the right perspective turns scarcity into opportunities for learning. Key Points:Financial principles for long term success How perspective changes the outcome of the experienceThe essential ingredients for making a great leaderResources/Links: Learn More about Mignon Francois and The Cupcake Collection Follow us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Many people think of innovation as taking large, high-risk leaps with no certainty of the outcome. But what if our big, breakthrough moments were the result of cultivating daily micro-innovations? Accomplished jazz guitarist and managing partner of Mudita Venture Partners, Josh Linkner believes it’s possible. Josh Linkner is a creative troublemaker. He passionately believes that all human beings have incredible creative capacity, and he’s on a mission to unlock inventive thinking and problem solving to help leaders, individuals and communities soar.Josh has been the founder and CEO of five tech companies, which sold for a combined value of over $200 million and is the author of four books including the New York Times Best Sellers, Disciplined Dreaming and The Road to Reinvention. He has invested in and/or mentored over 100 startups and is the founding partner of Detroit Venture Partners.In this episode, Josh shares the fascinating connection between jazz and entrepreneurship and how implementing his simple frameworks can help businesses win at the highest levels. Key Points:Jazz as the perfect metaphor for businessFrameworks for problem solvingMindsets and habits for creating a culture of “micro-innovations” Resources/Links: Learn More about Josh Linkner__ Read The Episode Transcript Follow us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

John Mark McMillan is a Platinum-selling singer-songwriter whose career in music spans across two decades. He has worked as an independent artist under his own Lionhawk records with three albums in the Top 200 U.S. charts and four albums in The Top 10 Christian charts. His voice has been featured in film and television, including the trailer for “Terminator: Dark Fate” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Alongside creating heartfelt lyrics and genre-bending compositions, John Mark is a savvy entrepreneur whose business acumen transcends the music industry and offers applicable insights to business owners and brands alike.In this episode, John Mark drills down to the foundation of what differentiates flourishing businesses from those who don’t succeed: Making meaningful connections.Key Points:Operating from your ‘why’ as the driving force in business Growing your social media presenceAddressing the loneliness of entrepreneurship Resources/Links: Learn More about John Mark McMillanRead The Episode Transcript Follow us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

When Cynt Marshall was hired as the new CEO of the Dallas Mavericks in March 2018, she set her sights on cultural transformation. She envisioned the Mavericks becoming the NBA standard for inclusion and diversity. Her values-based leadership style brought a new level of transparency and evolved the company culture within her first 100 days.In this episode, recorded live at Heartland’s Diamond conference, Cynt shares her story of overcoming incredible adversity, from childhood trauma to fighting cancer to becoming the first female CEO in the NBA. Tune in to hear an inspiring story encouraging you to tackle challenges head-on, embrace diversity and cultivate the resiliency needed to achieve your dreams. Key Points:Foundations of strong leadership Facing challenges with integrityHandling criticism with resilience Resources/Links: Read The Episode Transcript Follow us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Do you ever wonder why some businesses thrive while others struggle to keep up? One crucial distinction is the ability to understand customers' pain points — and positioning your business to solve the problem. In this episode, bestselling author and business coach Christy Wright explains why gaining clarity on what a customer actually needs is vital to achieving long-term success. Christy Wright is a certified business coach, dynamic speaker and personal development expert. She served for 12 years as a Ramsey Personality with Ramsey Solutions before taking a leap of faith to venture out on her own. Christy has been featured on the “Today” show and “Fox News”, as well as Success, Entrepreneur, and Woman’s Day magazines. Whether she’s running around on stage or running after her kids, challenging leaders or changing diapers, Christy makes the most out of life and encourages others to do the same. Tune in to gain practical insights and actionable takeaways to help you run and grow a better business. Key Points:Distinguishing what customers need versus what they think they need.Empathizing with customer’s pain points.  Assessing what is right “right now.” Resources/Links: Learn More about Christy Wright here.Read The Episode Transcript Follow us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Mike Hearne is a golfer, realtor and creator of “This is Oklahoma,” a podcast that tells stories of Oklahoma's history, culture and the people who call it home. Mike was born in Bridgend, Wales, and moved to Oklahoma in August 2011 to play golf and study Marketing at Southern Nazarene University. He graduated in May 2015, passed his real estate exam and became a realtor. Mike launched “This is Oklahoma” in May of 2018. His podcast has since grown a large, national following including a sponsorship with the Oklahoma Hame of Fame.In this episode, Mike shares his inspirational story of finding his way to success and why it is vital that entrepreneurs learn to harness the power of saying “yes.” Key Points:Taking unexpected opportunitiesBuilding a pipeline of relationshipsHarnessing the power of saying “yes”Resources/Links: Learn More about Mike Hearne hereRead The Episode Transcript Follow us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, keeping up with the latest trends can be overwhelming. From the emergence of AI to evolving customer needs, staying relevant in a changing market requires adaptability and ongoing education. Tune in to hear digital marketing expert Ines Nasri share valuable insights to help businesses and individuals stay ahead of the curve.  Key Points:The Essential Pillars of Marketing Leveraging Technology for Small Business Owners Mindsets and AdaptabilityResources/Links: Learn More about Ines Nasri__ Read The Episode Transcript Follow us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers.Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Imagine creating something from scratch that transforms an entire industry. As the founder and CEO of Podchaser, Bradley Davis did just that. Sometimes called “the IMDb of podcasting,” Podchaser is a database connecting podcasters and listeners worldwide. But it didn’t exist until Bradley brought his idea to life through persistence and networking— not to mention a little luck.Tune in to hear how Bradley raised $4 million in just 40 days with zero startup experience and no connections in the industry.Key Points:How to get VCs interested in your ideaThe role of storytelling in fundraising pitchesThe evolution of the podcasting industryResources/Links: Learn More about Bradley Davis.Read The Episode Transcript Follow us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Molly Bloom is an entrepreneur and inspirational speaker whose tumultuous journey through the world of high-stakes poker taught her the importance of integrity and the mindsets needed to bounce back from impossible odds. In this episode, Molly reflects on the importance of accepting responsibility, seeking forgiveness, and redefining success on her own terms. From facing FBI agents to working with award-winning film director, Aaron Sorkin, Molly's story champions the importance of resilience on the path to entrepreneurship and personal growth.Key Points:Choosing integrity over superficial gainMeditation and Mindsets Believing in yourself even at rock bottomResources/Links: Learn More about Molly BloomRead the Episode Transcript Follow Us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Molly Bloom is an entrepreneur, an inspirational speaker and the bestselling author of the memoir “Molly’s Game”. Her story of transitioning from Olympic-level skier to host of the most exclusive poker club in the world to FBI target was adapted to film by acclaimed screenwriter Aaron Sorkin. In this two-part series, Molly candidly shares her rise and fall, the concept of effective presence and how to bounce back from the perils of self-betrayal.Key Points:Using self awareness to shape your careerPivoting after the end of a dream Resilience and starting over Resources/Links: Learn More about Molly BloomRead the Episode Transcript Follow Us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Lauren Warkentine is an Oklahoma City entrepreneur whose business acumen has led her through the worlds of pharmaceuticals, finance, and finally into custom clothing. However, the common thread linking each of her endeavors is the unwavering pursuit of finding the right solutions.  As the founder and CEO of William & Lauren Custom Clothier, Lauren helps shoppers create confidence through fashion, empowering them to take risks, push fear aside, and step into their purpose.In today’s episode, Lauren shares what it was like to take the leap from being the president of a large pharmaceutical company to entering the world of clothing design. She reveals the key insights and strategies that propelled her to success.Key Points:Gaining confidence in business Solving problems across industries What makes customers come aliveResources/Links: Learn More about William and Lauren __ Read The Episode Transcript Follow us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees, and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Jeff Sheldon is the creative mind behind Ugmonk, a brand renowned for curating quality products that combine form and function. In this episode, Jeff shares his journey of developing a meaningful community around Ugmonk, where every product decision is a collaborative effort with the people who love and live the brand’s philosophy. Tune in as Jeff explains how he built a loyal and engaged community of brand fans and why scaling requires special considerations for community-driven, founder-led businesses.Key Points:Product development and customer feedback Developing a strong personal brandThe pros and cons of scalingResources/Links: Learn more about UgmonkRead the Episode Transcript Follow us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees, and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

In a world of rapid technological advancement and constant change, learning to adapt is essential for business growth. But when innovation outpaces traditional strategies, trying to keep up can feel overwhelming. In this conclusion of our conversation with futurist and tech pioneer, Sam Rad (Samantha Radocchia), we’re taking a closer look at the impact of the Age of Acceleration and the mindset shifts needed to succeed.Tune in to hear Sam Rad’s insights on the importance of maintaining optimism amidst growing uncertainty, and how emerging technologies can be used for the betterment of our society. Key Points:The role of governance regarding AI Using technology to solve societal problems AI as a tool for augmenting (not replacing) humanity Resources/Links: Learn More about Sam RadRead The Episode TranscriptVisit The Entrepreneur’s Studio Follow Us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees, and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Sam Rad (Samantha Radocchia) is a lifelong student of humanity — a futurist, anthropologist, and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Radical Next, a meta-media studio creating transformative stories, experiences, and media productions that shape a positive future. Her upcoming book by the same name, “Radical Next: Thriving in Times of Radical Change” explores how “radical next ideas” and technologies will transform societies in the decades to come. In this episode, Sam Rad shares her profound insights on how emerging technologies are transforming societies and how business owners can thrive — even amidst an ever-evolving landscape of radical innovation. Key Points:How emerging technologies are impacting businessMindset shifts needed to thrive amidst rapid change How business owners can leverage the age of acceleration Resources/Links: Learn More about Sam RadRead the Episode Transcript Visit The Entrepreneur’s Studio Follow Us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees, and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Stephen Rose and his wife Jessica started The Peach Truck in 2012 as a local business selling peaches from the truck bed of their 1964 Jeep Gladiator. Today, The Peach Truck has over 60 booths across Nashville, hosts 25 state tours, and ships products nationwide.In this episode, Stephen discusses the impact of rapid growth, the challenges of distribution, and what it takes to scale a business while continuing to offer the fresh products that set them apart from conventional distribution methods. Key Points:How to navigate rapid growth Scale and distribution The role of technology in a multi-location businessResources/Links: Learn More about The Peach TruckRead The Episode Transcript Follow us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees, and engage customers.Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Will Guidara is a restaurateur who has been immersed in the industry since the age of thirteen. He’s the former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, which under his leadership received four stars from The New York Times, three Michelin stars, and in 2017 was named number one on the list of the world’s top 50 restaurants. Will is also the national bestselling author of the book, “Unreasonable Hospitality”, and he’s married to celebrity baker and founder of Milk Bar, Christina Tosi. In this episode, Will guides us through his commitment to unreasonable hospitality and the importance of moving beyond efficiency to create magical experiences customers will never forget. Key Points:Recognizing each touchpoint of the customer’s journey The 3 keys to game-changing practices in hospitality  Building the right team, not the best teamResources/Links: Learn more about Will GuidaraRead the episode transcript Follow us on InstagramWatch The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTubeCredits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Beginning Tuesday January 16th, we will release our new series of conversations featuring well-known entrepreneurs and authors as well as local entrepreneurs doing something profoundly right.  In Season 3, we are going deeper with our guests to cover topics like product management, marketing, in person, online and high ticket sales, systems, operations and so much more. Get ready to be inspired as well as come away with tangible, how-to information that you can implement into your business right away.  Subscribe to The Entrepreneur’s Studio on the platform of your choice and level up your business today.Visit our website for access to a free, on-demand suite of lessons, tools and tips designed by seasoned business owners who have paved the path, learned from mistakes and gone on to run thriving businesses. If you’re ready to level up with easy and effective strategies, this is the place to start. Follow us on Instagram @theentrepreneurs.studio Watch our full library of in-studio episodes on Youtube. Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers.  Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Studio podcast, host Chris Allen is joined by Executive Vice President of Product, Technology, and Enablement for Heartland, Adam Mitchell. Together, Chris and Adam take a look at emerging trends business owners can anticipate for the new year. From the evolving role of technology to strategic considerations in everyday operations and customer experience, this episode provides actionable insights to get you moving in the right direction for 2024.Key Points:Adapting to a rapidly changing landscape Technologies to help small businesses navigate changeCautions and considerations regarding the future of AI Resources/Links: Learn more about how Heartland can help you run and grow a better business. __ Follow us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

This season of The Entrepreneur’s Studio podcast has brought an extraordinary lineup of entrepreneurs, ranging from business innovators and restaurateurs to philanthropists and trailblazers in technology.This season of The Entrepreneur’s Studio podcast has brought an extraordinary lineup of entrepreneurs, ranging from business innovators and restaurateurs to philanthropists and trailblazers in technology. In this “Reflections” episode, podcast host Chris Allen is joined by Executive Vice President of Product, Technology, and Enablement for Heartland, Adam Mitchell. The two revisit some of the highlights of the season’s conversations, including clips from industry giants Danny Meyer, Catarina Fake, Rebecca Minkoff and others! Key Points:How investing in employees leads to successThe value of cross-connecting with other businessesFounder-product fit and the value of empowering customers  Resources/Links: Learn more about how Heartland can help make every day work better for your business. __ Follow us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

In response to our interview with renowned author and personal development expert, Mel Robbins, we received questions from business owners and entrepreneurs from around the country. In this follow-up episode, Mel responds to these questions one by one, offering her invaluable insights on the mindsets and strategies that can transform your business and your life. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective and practical advice from Mel’s no-nonsense approach to entrepreneurship. Key Points:Maintaining optimism during difficult timesOvercoming self-doubt and imposter syndromeWellness as a business strategy Resources/Links: Learn more about Mel Robbins Discover how The Entrepreneur’s Studio can help you run and grow a better business.Read the Episode Transcript Follow us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Often our greatest hindrances to thriving in business are the mindsets we keep. In this season finale episode, renowned author and personal development expert, Mel Robbins, leads us on a discovery of reinvention through self-leadership. Mel shares her secrets of overcoming hesitation through her science-backed 5-Second Rule and how we can transform negative mindsets and habits that hold us back in business and in life. Mel Robbins is the author of the international best-selling books, “The Five Second Rule” and “The High Five Habit” and host of the wildly popular program “The Mel Robbins Podcast”. She is trusted by the world’s leading brands and medical professionals who use her research-backed tools in clinical and corporate settings. Mel’s TEDx Talk is one of the most popular of all time, with more than 25 million views to date. Key Points:How to overcome hesitation and take action Learning to trust your intuition and gut instinctThe most important leap you’ll ever take in businessResources/Links: Learn more about Mel Robbins Discover how The Entrepreneur’s Studio can help you run and grow a better business.Read the Episode Transcript Follow us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Erin Lowry is a personal finance expert, speaker, and author of Broke Millennial, a best-selling book series aimed toward helping a generation achieve financial success. In this episode, Erin shares her story of how she became a prominent voice for young entrepreneurs starting out in business and how we can learn to make financial choices based on the lifestyle we want to live. Tune in to hear Erin dispel money myths and misconceptions and share tips for entrepreneurs on everything from negotiating and pricing to maximizing employee benefits. Key Points:Recognizing common financial mistakes Understanding business structure for solopreneurs Identifying psychological triggers about money Resources/Links: Learn More about Erin LowryRead The Transcript Follow us on Instagram!Watch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Ryan Leak is a motivational speaker and author with a thriving career centered on embracing failure to accelerate success. Inspired by stories of the world’s most successful people, Ryan set off to urge audiences and readers to run toward failure too — by taking risks, trying new things and doing their best to overcome incredible challenges.  Tune in to hear Ryan’s inspiring messages, tips on discipline and personal development and why he believes your purpose matters most.Key Points:Why playing it safe might be the riskiest move of all Meeting the demands of a busy schedule with discipline and self-careAdjusting to new challenges that exist at different tiers of successResources/Links: Learn More about Ryan Leak.Thinking about starting your own business? Our free course helps you get from daydream to day one (even if you have no idea how to get started).__ Read the Transcript InstagramWatch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Heartland provides nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Nick Bayer is an entrepreneur with a passion for bridging the gap between academia and real-world business. When he created his company, Saxbys, in 2005, he didn’t consider it to be a coffee company—instead, he considered it to be a hospitality company fueled by great coffee. His immersive training approach, employing students as CEOs, transformed coffee shops into classrooms and became a revolutionizing force in education and business. In this episode, Nick shares about his mission-driven business model, Saxbys commitment to social responsibility and how their partnerships with universities empower students to thrive as great business leaders. Key Points:Making Life Better with Educational Entrepreneurship 3 Core Principles of great leadershipThe social impact of operating as a B-CorpResources/Links: Learn More about Nick BayerRead The Transcript InstagramWatch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube.Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Jeni Britton began making ice cream in 1996, as a 22-year-old art history student obsessed with scent. In her spare time, she studied perfuming and experimented with making her own essential oils. On a whim one day, she added cayenne to a tub of chocolate ice cream. When she tasted the combination of cold, sweet and spice, she knew she was going to make ice cream for the rest of her life. The rest is history.   Jeni Britton is an American ice cream maker and entrepreneur. A pioneer of the artisan ice cream movement, she introduced a modern, ingredient-driven style of ice cream making that has been widely emulated across the world but never duplicated.  In this episode, Jeni shares her journey of leaving art school to create an ice cream empire devoted to making the finest ice creams the world has ever known. From her tenacity to take creative risks to the grit and determination to navigate her business through a time of crisis, Jeni’s story is an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance, pushing boundaries, and staying true to your entrepreneurial vision. Key Points: Starting small and building slowlyTaking a hands on approach to building a businessPrioritizing people, vision and valuesResources/Links: Learn More about Jeni’s Splendid Ice CreamDiscover more about The Entrepreneur’s StudioRead The Transcript InstagramWatch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube. Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

In the world of technology, there is often a prevailing mindset that, ‘if it can exist, then it should exist.’ But according to serial entrepreneur and tech pioneer Caterina Fake, this may not always be the case. As a maverick in her industry, Caterina asks the question, “Should this exist?” And if so, what is our ethical responsibility for making it available to the world? Caterina Fake is known for co-founding the ground-breaking photo sharing platform Flickr as well as having played a pivotal role in the development of foundational AI algorithms through her company, Hunch. As a member of Yes VC Venture Capital Firm, Caterina invests in pre-seed and seed stage companies, making a significant impact on the entrepreneurial landscape.In today’s episode Caterina joins us in-studio to share some of the early stories that shaped her career, mindsets that guide her creative ventures and her unique insights into the future and ethics of technology.Key Points:How Art, Technology & Community intersectThe importance of sharing ideas Caution and Excitement of where AI is headedResources/Links: Learn More about Caterina FakeRead The Transcript Follow us on InstagramWatch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube. Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers.  Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Oklahoma City’s ”East Side" had been a social and economic center for African American life but through gentrification and neglect, the area became a marginalized part of town.  In 2016, Jonathan Dodson’s Pivot Project selected an abandoned strip mall on Northeast 23rd Street for what would ultimately become the EastPoint Project. The development at Eastpoint gave activist and award-winning rapper Jabee Williams the opportunity to establish Eastside Pizza House alongside other black business owners in a thriving community atmosphere.  In today’s episode, Jabee shares his story of going from entertainer to activist, preserving history and innovating new business models.    Key Points:Creating positive change through creativity and collaboration.Honoring the past while innovating the futureAdvocating the under-served through community engagement Resources/Links: Learn More about JabeeEastside Pizza House Read The Transcript InstagramWatch Full Episodes of The Entrepreneur's Studio on YouTube. Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Developer Jonathan Dodson left his job as a corporate banker and followed his passion to revitalize Oklahoma City through urban infill and adaptive reuse of commercial property. His development group, Pivot is committed to creating ethical community development that is the product of public interest and addresses a community need.In today’s episode, Jonathan shares his story about how he felt a moral imperative to invest in underserved communities and the challenges he faced in establishing what became an internationally recognized economic revolution.Key Points: The importance of ethical development principlesThe impact of gentrificationUnorthodox funding methods and creative negotiations  Resources: Pivot Project  Read The Transcript Browse our library of conversations with successful entrepreneurs who have been in your shoes. Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Christina Tosi is a chef and the founder and CEO of Milk Bar, a unique bakery concept reinventing classics like cereal and birthday cake with plenty of imagination. Creativity is the spirit of Milk Bar and a throughline for everything Christina does, but it can be hard to run a business without some of the traditional, tried-and-true practices.In this episode, Christina takes a deep dive into her creative process, business practices and the four core values which guide her to leading a successful enterprise. This is part 2 of our conversation with Christina Tosi.  Key Points:Nurturing a creative mindsetStreamlining operations Learning how to bend the rules Resources/Links: Connect with Christina TosiRead The Transcript Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a positive review on Apple podcasts. The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Nostalgia was a key driver of Christina Tosi’s vision for Milk Bar. As it turns out, the masses share her sentiments. Whether your plan is to make childhood memories the theme of your business or a single item on your menu, Christina feels everyone can benefit by touching customers on a personal level.Christina Tosi is the award-winning chef and founder of Milk Bar, a singular bakery concept that merges her love for down-to-earth, comforting baked treats, culinary expertise and unexpected, creative combinations. In this episode, Christina shares how she went from being a math major in college to a James Beard recipient, a TV personality and the founder of a bakery empire.This is part 1 of our conversation with Christina Tosi.  Key Points:Nostalgia as a key driver for entrepreneurial pursuitsGut instinct as a business guidepost What it takes to build a business model that does not exist Resources/Links: Connect with Christina TosiRead The Transcript Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a positive review on Apple podcasts. The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

In part one of our conversation with philanthropist Charles Best, we discussed the 3 Innovations of Crowdfunding, Digital Marketplace and Cause Marketing. In today’s concluding segment, we take a deep dive into some of the processes behind those innovations.  We’ll find out what motivated Charles to choose the non-profit model, how he raised his operating Capital while still teaching high school and his unique method of value-based screening of potential team members.  Key Points:Benefits of choosing the non-profit model Value-based screening of potential team members. The art and science of getting to yes when making a pitch to potential donors.  Resources: DonorsChooseRead The TranscriptBook mention: ‘Drunk Tank Pink’ by Adam Alter.This is part two of our conversation with Charles Best. Visit theentrepreneurs.studio and subscribe to the podcast for notifications and other exclusive content from The Entrepreneur’s Studio. Credits: The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Charles Best is the founder of DonorsChoose, a nonprofit organization that connects teachers in need of classroom resources with donors who want to help.Charles launched DonorsChoose in 2000 while teaching history at a Bronx high school. His efforts began as a local, independent passion project among peers but went on to be named one of the 50 most Innovative organizations in the world. Today, half of all the public schools in America have at least one teacher who has created a classroom project request on DonorsChoose.org, and more than 5 million people have donated, providing books, art supplies, technology and other resources to students in low-income communities.In this episode, Charles shares the story of what motivated him to take on this philanthropic work as well as the unwavering determination that guided him from grassroots marketing techniques to gaining national attention from The New York Times, Newsweek and Oprah.  Key Points:3 Innovations of crowdfunding, digital marketplace and cause marketingThe importance of correct branding from the startIncreasing brand awareness through partnerships  This is part one of our conversation with Charles Best. Resources/Links: DonorsChooseRead The TranscriptThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Showing up “on time” and “on brand” may look like an easy win from the outside, but underneath outward success is a long journey of perseverance and dedication. In this episode, fashion icon Rebecca Minkoff shares how she secures out-of-the-box partnerships, handles imposter syndrome and critical feedback, and believes it’s important to define success on your own terms. Key Points include:Separating yourself from your brand The team sport of partnerships Wins and losses in the hiring process This is part 2 of 2.  Resources/Links: Rebecca Minkoff TranscriptThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems, providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Rebecca Minkoff is a fashion designer, podcast host, author and founder of The Female Founder Collective. Though she’s known far and wide for her namesake brand of clothing and accessories (including her uber-popular handbags), Rebecca’s entrepreneurial path was riddled with character-shaping challenges from the start. In this episode, Rebecca shares the story of how her hard work, persistence and creativity took her from humble brand beginnings through post-acquisition life today. Key Points:Staying persistent through challenging times Cultivating purposeful relationshipsThe importance of handling negative feedback well.Read The TranscriptThis is part 1 of 2. The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland Payment Systems. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Rachel Cope is the founder and CEO of 84 Hospitality Group. She is known for her innovative restaurant concepts and contribution to Oklahoma City’s budding food scene. Her flagship restaurant, Empire Slice House is a popular, New York style pizzeria with multiple locations across Oklahoma. In this episode, Rachel shares the creative beginnings of how Empire Slice House began and how the commitment to quality has sustained her across the years.  Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Danny Meyer is a restaurateur and the founder of Union Square Hospitality Group. His claim to fame includes Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, Shake Shack and other iconic dining institutions. In this episode, Danny shares with us about what he calls “Enlightened Hospitality” and the importance of how you make your customers feel.This is part 2 of our interview with Danny Meyer. You can Check out Part 1 of this conversation here or watch the full interview on our Youtube channel.  Key Points:Leading with Generosity Scaling to multiple restaurantsMaking a place for people to growResources/Links: Union Square Hospitality GroupPodcast Website The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland. Making every day work better. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io 

Danny Meyer is a restaurateur and the founder of Union Square Hospitality Group. His claim to fame includes Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, Shake Shack and other iconic dining institutions. In this episode, Danny guides us from his food-obsessed youth and how he almost missed the lifestyle and career of his dreams by not following his passion. His inspiring story highlights the importance of following the spark to discover the best path for you. This is Part One of our interview with Danny Meyer.  Key Points:The surprise discovery of food as a career path Going against the grain to do what you loveThe five steps to “finding the magic.”  Resources/Links: Read The TranscriptUnion Square Hospitality GroupWatch the full interview with Danny Meyer on our Youtube channel.The Entrepreneur’s Studio is powered by Heartland. Providing nearly 1 million entrepreneurs with the technology to make money, move money, manage employees and engage customers. Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io