We Live to Build

What if the software you use every day was actually designed to make you succeed, not just to make you subscribe? In this episode, Sean Weisbrot sits down with Bryan McAnulty, founder of a platform that has helped more than 10,000 creators turn their knowledge into thriving online businesses. Bryan shares why building in the SaaS space is uniquely challenging, because your customers have to make a deep personal commitment to becoming someone before they ever log in. You will hear how Bryan approaches this by layering education directly into the product experience, helping creators get clear on their offers, build landing pages, and nurture their audiences, all because a more successful customer stays longer. It is a masterclass in building software that earns loyalty by genuinely caring whether the person on the other end actually wins.------------------------------------📈 WORK WITH SEAN------------------------------------▶ Executive Visibility: https://welivetobuild.com/services▶ Thought Leadership: https://sparkvox.io▶ Brand Visibility: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship▶ Inquiries: [email protected]──────────🕐 CHAPTERS──────────00:00 - Helping 10,000 Creators Build Online02:53 - The Cold Start Problem Bryan Didn't Expect06:07 - Why Bryan Swears by Online Challenges09:12 - Tightening the Feedback Loop for Habit Formation17:53 - Stop Chasing Recurring Revenue Too Soon19:50 - Service as Software: The AI Shift Explained24:28 - Heights AI Three and the Proactive Agent Vision31:37 - Small Team's Secret Weapon Over VC-Funded Giants32:55 - Consistency Over Speed: Bryan's Biggest LessonLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the reason your business feels stuck has nothing to do with your strategy, and everything to do with who's missing from your team? In this episode, Sean sits down with Derek Fredrickson, a seasoned operator who spent fifteen years as a COO before building a company that delivers fractional COO support at scale. Derek breaks down exactly when a fractional COO makes sense for your business, why that sweet spot sits between one million and twenty-five million in annual revenue, and what founders get wrong when they think they need an executive but actually just need better operational support. You'll also hear how Derek's own experience of hitting the ceiling as a solo fractional operator led him to build a team model that now serves twenty to twenty-five companies at once, and why understanding how you're wired as either a visionary or an operator can change everything about how you grow.------------------------------------📈 WORK WITH SEAN------------------------------------▶ Executive Visibility: https://welivetobuild.com/services▶ Thought Leadership: https://sparkvox.io▶ Brand Visibility: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship▶ Inquiries: [email protected]──────────🕐 CHAPTERS──────────00:00 - CEO vs COO: Which Role Is Harder?00:48 - Why Derek Built a Business Around COOs02:36 - The Right Revenue Stage for Fractional Help04:01 - Signs You're Too Deep in the Weeds05:56 - Start With a VA, Not a COO09:05 - Founder-Led Sales as Product Research24:20 - AI Adoption Depends on the Client's Appetite29:00 - Data Without Accountability Is Just Numbers35:32 - Know How You're WiredLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your company is sitting on a goldmine of data but only using a fraction of it to its full potential? In this episode, Sean talks with Saurabh Gupta, an AI and enterprise data expert who reveals that while businesses have access to roughly 3,000 tools, most enterprises are only leveraging around 15% of them. Saurabh explains why focusing on outcomes rather than activities is the key to cutting through the noise of AI hype, and how his team consistently delivers results for clients in three to four weeks instead of the six weeks promised. You will also hear why the first two weeks of any engagement are the most decisive, and why protecting your company data is no longer optional in a world where someone is always ready to exploit it.------------------------------------📈 WORK WITH SEAN------------------------------------▶ Executive Visibility: https://welivetobuild.com/services▶ Thought Leadership: https://sparkvox.io▶ Brand Visibility: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship▶ Inquiries: [email protected]──────────🕐 CHAPTERS──────────00:00 - Why Unprotected Data Gets Abused00:17 - Convincing Skeptical Customers in Six Weeks01:44 - The "Focus on Outcomes" Pitch That Works03:13 - First Two Weeks Are Make or Break04:22 - Your Data Is Your Most Valuable Asset06:37 - Why Bad Data Breaks AI Too10:27 - Getting Closer to the Source of Truth18:00 - The Modern Data Stack Is Bloated20:50 - AI Will Swallow the Analytical Layer25:00 - Three Weeks Compressed Into Three MinutesLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the biggest mistake you're making with AI isn't using it too much, but using it without intention? In this episode, Sean sits down with Todd Anthony, an agency founder and AI-forward creative strategist, to explore why most founders treat AI like a vending machine instead of a medium they can actually shape. Todd breaks down how staying attuned to market patterns, rather than reacting to every wave of disruption, is what separates agencies that survive from those that collapse under volatility. You'll also hear his honest take on why the content landscape is flooded with hollow, AI-generated noise, and why audiences are desperately hungry for human authenticity underneath all of it. If you've been wondering whether to lean into AI or pull back, this conversation will change how you think about that question entirely.------------------------------------📈 WORK WITH SEAN------------------------------------▶ Executive Visibility: https://welivetobuild.com/services▶ Thought Leadership: https://sparkvox.io▶ Brand Visibility: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship▶ Inquiries: [email protected]──────────🕐 CHAPTERS──────────00:00 - AI Slop Is Killing Audience Trust00:28 - The Three Men on a Ship Story02:05 - Running a $3M Agency in a Storm04:54 - Should You Actually Start an Agency?08:10 - The Trust Engine Concept Explained10:28 - AI as a Block of Clay20:48 - Building in Public Before You Have Proof26:10 - Guru Culture's Dirty Secret30:08 - It's Okay Not to Have All the AnswersLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the most valuable business intelligence in your company is sitting on the shop floor, earning $25 an hour? In this episode, Sean sits down with Dustin Snyder, a human systems consultant who helps founders and CEOs understand what's actually happening on the ground inside their organizations. Dustin explains how leaders often design broken systems without realizing it, and why the frontline workers they rarely talk to hold insights that no spreadsheet can capture. You'll also hear why delivering that truth to founders requires as much emotional intelligence as it does hard data, especially when the leader's own decisions are part of the problem. If you've ever assumed you had a clear picture of your business just because the numbers looked right, this conversation will challenge that assumption entirely.──────────────────────────────────────────────────────📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)──────────────────────────────────────────────────────Get my brand new eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network──────────────────────📋 WORK WITH ME──────────────────────▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship──────────────────────🔗 CONNECT WITH SEAN──────────────────────▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]──────────🕐 CHAPTERS──────────00:00 - The $25/Hour Guy Knows Your Business00:33 - Delivering Hard Truths to Founders02:09 - When the Founder Is the Problem05:48 - Founder Proximity and the Scaling Trap07:53 - Layers of Time Horizons, Not Tasks13:59 - Workforce Insight Mapping Explained17:42 - How AI Cut Analysis from Weeks to Hours23:12 - Can AI Replace Human Trust in Interviews27:21 - What Doing This Taught Him About LeadershipLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the key to rethinking aging came from watching one man work joyfully into his nineties? In this episode, Sean sits down with Igor Gurovich, founder building AI-powered support for senior citizens, who shares how his grandfather's vitality well into old age reshaped his entire perspective on what it means to grow older. Igor explains why the global healthcare system is approaching a breaking point as the retired population grows faster than the workforce funding it, and why he believes the window to fix this is closing faster than most people realise. You'll also hear how his company sidestepped the challenge of getting elderly users to adopt new technology by replacing apps entirely with simple phone calls, and how that decision unexpectedly revealed just how deep the loneliness crisis among seniors truly runs. Check out the company: https://getcallie.care // https://www.linkedin.com/in/iogurovich──────────────────────────────────────────────────────📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)──────────────────────────────────────────────────────Get my brand new eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network──────────────────────📋 WORK WITH ME──────────────────────▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship──────────────────────🔗 CONNECT WITH SEAN──────────────────────▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]──────────🕐 CHAPTERS──────────00:00 - Why Senior Care Is a Ticking Time Bomb01:51 - AI Filling the Caregiver Shortage Gap02:46 - Seniors Actually Love Talking to AI03:08 - The Phone Call Hack That Changed Everything04:31 - SaaSpocalypse and the Death of UI11:42 - One Founder Disrupting Legacy Businesses Alone13:22 - The Commercialization Wall No One Warns You About15:18 - Building a Digital Memory of Your Loved Ones20:31 - Elders Have Wisdom Nobody's Unlocking23:39 - Do Only Things You LoveLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if 80% of the work in your industry could be done before a human ever gets involved? In this episode, Sean sits down with Ray Meiring, a founder rethinking the proposal process from the ground up, challenging decades-old workflows in an industry that has barely changed in fifty years. Ray shares how his team is using AI to reimagine RFP responses in a fully agentic world, why bouncing ideas off Claude at 3AM is now part of his product development process, and how he balances the speed of AI-driven iteration with the reality of customers who are still mailing binders. You'll come away with a sharper understanding of what it actually looks like to disrupt your own business model before someone else does it for you.──────────────────────────────────────────────────────📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)──────────────────────────────────────────────────────Get my brand new eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network──────────────────────📋 WORK WITH ME──────────────────────▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship──────────────────────🔗 CONNECT WITH SEAN──────────────────────▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]──────────🕐 CHAPTERS──────────00:00 - Disrupting Your Own Business Before Others Do00:57 - What Keeps Founders Up at 3AM02:01 - Bouncing Ideas Off Claude Before Your Team04:01 - Why Enterprise Customers Still Mail Binders05:17 - Release to Sales First, Not Existing Customers07:19 - Agents Talking to Agents: 18 Months Away10:36 - Why Smaller Companies Should Sell Into Enterprise Now17:24 - Building Agents on Microsoft Frameworks Explained22:37 - Weeks of RFP Work Compressed Into Hours30:25 - Stay the Course or Innovate Your Way OutLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the secret to happiness wasn't a grand epiphany, but a bad movie playing at 2AM? In this episode, Sean sits down with Ben Narasin, a veteran venture capitalist who has backed companies like LendingClub, Rippling, and Omada Health, to explore what decades of investing at the highest level teaches you about life, patience, and staying true to your standards. Ben reveals why lowering the bar in venture is the beginning of the end, and how he learned to sit with the discomfort of seeing 2,500 pitches in a year and funding just one, without letting that silence become a compromise. You'll also hear his counterintuitive advice to founders: stop optimizing your valuation pitch and start treating your investor relationships like a marriage, because you'll be living with that choice for ten years or more.──────────────────────────────────────────────────────📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)──────────────────────────────────────────────────────Get my brand new eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network──────────────────────📋 WORK WITH ME──────────────────────▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship──────────────────────🔗 CONNECT WITH SEAN──────────────────────▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]──────────🕐 CHAPTERS──────────00:00 - Happiness Is Wanting What You Have00:35 - Why Ben Only Funded 1 of 2,500 Pitches01:11 - LendingClub, Rippling, and the Fired Founder Pattern03:11 - Game Theory Will Ruin Your Investor Relationship06:44 - The ChatGPT Trick for Vetting Your VC08:14 - No Skeletons: The Open LP Meeting Experiment18:03 - Specifics Are Your Friend, Generalities Your Enemy25:04 - Work Hard When There's a Reason To31:28 - Sleep, REM, and the Brain-Cleaning Function33:46 - Life Is Hard for Everybody. Get Over It.Leave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the real reason most businesses fail isn't strategy or market fit, but the behavior and value system of the owner themselves? In this episode, Sean sits down with Jay Aldebert, a business consultant who has studied patterns across 88,000 businesses and identified 11 biomarkers that predict whether a company will thrive or struggle. Jay explains why he starts every client conversation with a single pointed question about profit, and how the answer reveals far more than most owners expect. He shares why education has to come before measurement, drawing a parallel to how doctors measure without explaining, and why changing an owner's value system is often the hardest and most important part of the work. If you have ever wondered why smart, driven business owners keep hitting the same walls, Jay's framework will give you a completely new lens for looking at your own business.──────────────────────────────────────────────────────📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)──────────────────────────────────────────────────────Get my brand new eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network──────────────────────📋 WORK WITH ME──────────────────────▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship──────────────────────🔗 CONNECT WITH SEAN──────────────────────▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]──────────🕐 CHAPTERS──────────00:00 - Business Owners Are Addicts to Their Own Behavior00:25 - Changing a Client's Value System From Scratch01:06 - The "Shock and Awe" Hook That Wins Clients04:03 - The Five Dimensions of Profit Explained05:37 - The Two-Day Diagnostic Nobody Else Offers07:45 - Why the Engagement Is a Loss Leader10:50 - Sand Castle Consulting vs. Project-Based Work14:01 - The 2-to-1 Return Assurance Unpacked22:53 - RTO Software and the 11 Business Biomarkers25:28 - One Profit Decision Affects 40 PeopleLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the single move almost no seller bothers to make is the one that multiplies your pipeline by eight? In this episode, Neal Goyal, a go-to-market leader who built 8x pipeline at Postpilot in just eight months, breaks down exactly how he did it using LinkedIn in a way that only one out of every hundred sellers actually does. Neal reveals why content is the last step in his three-part flywheel, not the first, and why showing up in your target ICP's comments before ever sending a message is the real foundation of trust. You'll also hear why the spray-and-pray outbound tactics that dominate most sales teams are actively eroding the trust you need to close deals, especially when thousands of software companies are all fighting for the attention of the same two thousand brands. If you want to understand how to compete for attention instead of just competing on features, Neal's approach will change how you think about pipeline building entirely.──────────────────────────────────────────────────────📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)──────────────────────────────────────────────────────Get my brand new eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network──────────────────────📋 WORK WITH ME──────────────────────▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship──────────────────────🔗 CONNECT WITH SEAN──────────────────────▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]──────────🕐 CHAPTERS──────────00:00 - No Shortcuts to Building Real Relationships01:04 - How Neil 8x'd Postpilot's Pipeline02:45 - The Three-Part LinkedIn Flywheel Explained05:22 - Deposits Before Withdrawals on LinkedIn09:14 - Meet Your ICP Where They Actually Are18:16 - Why Neil Won't Let AI Build Relationships23:11 - Coaching Reps Out of LinkedIn Fear27:13 - Personal Brand Follows You Everywhere28:03 - Bet on Yourself Before You're ReadyLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the key to unlocking your team's potential wasn't hiring better people, but simply removing the friction slowing them down? Shelton Mercer III joins Sean to share how a shift from a 60-day process to a 60-minute one completely reframed how he thinks about the people around him and what they're truly capable of. You'll hear Shelton break down why power is less about authority and more about influence, how bringing together leaders from government, capital markets, and philanthropy in the same room creates a parity that cuts through political gridlock, and why framing collaboration around shared geography rather than competing agendas is what actually moves things forward. If you've ever wondered whether the systems your team works within are the real bottleneck, this conversation will make you think twice about where you're looking for solutions.──────────────────────────────────────────────────────📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)──────────────────────────────────────────────────────Get my brand new eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network──────────────────────📋 WORK WITH ME──────────────────────▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship──────────────────────🔗 CONNECT WITH SEAN──────────────────────▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]──────────🕐 CHAPTERS──────────00:00 - Philanthropy Is Limited, Government Is Broken01:25 - The Power Shift Redefining Who Leads02:01 - Using the World Cup to Unlock City Change07:56 - One City, One Day, 100 Leaders08:34 - How Activate's AI Cuts 60 Days to 60 Minutes15:50 - AI Took My Designer's Job — Now What?19:21 - Upskilling Your Team Instead of Cutting Them28:05 - Pencils of Promise and Community Buy-In36:07 - The Three Traits Every Leader Needs38:00 - Mentor Told Me to Finish Some IshLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the key to smarter business decisions isn't more data, but knowing when to trust yourself over the algorithm? In this episode, Sean sits down with Robert Indries, a builder and investor who was working with large language models back in 2016, long before AI became a boardroom buzzword. Robert shares why, despite his deep technical background, he still believes human intuition catches what AI cannot, especially when it comes to detecting deception during company acquisitions. You'll hear how his team uses a rigorous due diligence process of up to 170 questions to surface hidden problems before they become costly headaches, and why the best questions on that list came directly from painful past experience. Robert also breaks down how he thinks about failure tolerance in acquisitions, including why growing a company's value before a black swan event can mean the difference between a loss and getting your money back.──────────────────────────────────────────────────────📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)──────────────────────────────────────────────────────Get my brand new eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network──────────────────────📋 WORK WITH ME──────────────────────▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship──────────────────────🔗 CONNECT WITH SEAN──────────────────────▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]──────────🕐 CHAPTERS──────────00:00 - Getting Sellers to Tell You the Truth01:17 - The 21-Question Due Diligence Massage Method02:38 - Building a "Should Have Asked" Backlog04:41 - Why AI Can't Catch a Liar in M&A07:07 - Human Intuition Still Beats Generated Scripts09:06 - Sean's Podcast Pitch That Turned a Rejection Around17:25 - No Industry Is Safe From AI Disruption19:52 - Protoss, Zerg, or Terran: Which Future Wins?26:53 - Learning to Love as a Daily SkillLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it actually take to back yourself when the whole world seems to doubt you? In this episode, Sean sits down with Travis McGregor, a technology pioneer working to reinvent how the world handles security from the cloud to the edge, including building a world-first innovation in just 90 days. Travis opens up about the defining moment at 22 years old when he froze on stage in front of a thousand people after his team changed his entire keynote without warning, and how that humbling experience shaped him into the prepared, accountable leader he is today. You'll hear how Travis learned to stop second-guessing himself, why true belief in your own ideas is a deeply personal journey, and how choosing to fall on his sword rather than point fingers became the foundation of his leadership philosophy.──────────────────────────────────────────────────────📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)──────────────────────────────────────────────────────Get my brand new eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network──────────────────────📋 WORK WITH ME──────────────────────▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship──────────────────────🔗 CONNECT WITH SEAN──────────────────────▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]──────────🕐 CHAPTERS──────────00:00 - Believing in Yourself When Nobody Else Does01:44 - Choking on Stage at 22 Years Old05:22 - The Off-the-Cuff Pitch That Changed Everything09:21 - Patents Aren't What Most Founders Think12:27 - Why Your Data Is Never Really Yours14:56 - Flipping the Cloud-to-Edge Security Model23:13 - SLC's Play to Reach 600 Mobile Networks27:51 - 6G and the End of Anonymous Fraud Calls29:32 - Could SIMs Replace Broken Government SystemsLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it actually take to back yourself when no one else believes in you? In this episode of We Live to Build, Sean sits down with Stacie Shifflett, a self-taught entrepreneur and subject matter expert in federal government procurement and acquisition, who shares the raw story of orchestrating a 50 million dollar software company acquisition with zero prior experience at that scale. You'll hear how Stacie walked into a boardroom, discovered her name had been left off the org chart despite a signed employment contract, and chose to stand her ground rather than go along to get along. She also opens up about one of the hardest decisions entrepreneurs face, knowing when to say no, take your money, and walk away even when others frame it as a missed opportunity. If you've ever been underestimated or felt pressure to shrink yourself in a room where you clearly earned your seat, Stacie's story will resonate deeply.────────────────────────────────--─────────────────────📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)──────────────────────────────────────────────────────Get my brand new eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network──────────────────────📋 WORK WITH ME──────────────────────▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship──────────────────────🔗 CONNECT WITH SEAN──────────────────────▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]──────────🕐 CHAPTERS──────────00:00 - Stacy Led a $50M Acquisition From Scratch01:00 - The CEO Who Didn't Know What to Do With Her03:28 - Leaving Money on the Table Was the Right Call05:22 - The One Time Stacy Actually Threw a Punch09:59 - Stacy Woke Up and Decided to Buy a Company15:40 - Self-Taught, No Degree, Still Outperformed Everyone26:02 - Peace of Mind Is Our Greatest Personal Asset29:22 - Know Yourself Before You Can Go AnywhereLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens to marketing, consumer culture, and the businesses built around them when AI eliminates 90% of white collar jobs? In this episode, Sean sits down with Zachary Rischitelli to explore how networking, relationship-building, and human connection are becoming the most durable competitive advantages in an increasingly automated world. Zachary shares how his business has sustained client relationships for over sixteen years through genuine personal investment, not transactional card-swapping, and why showing up in person still moves the needle even as LinkedIn floods everyone's inbox. You'll also hear his simple but powerful networking reframe: be interested rather than interesting, a mindset shift that cuts through small talk and builds real trust fast. If you're thinking about how to future-proof your business and your relationships before the landscape shifts beneath you, this conversation will give you a lot to chew on.──────────────────────────────────────────────────────📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)──────────────────────────────────────────────────────Get my brand new eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network──────────────────────📋 WORK WITH ME──────────────────────▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship──────────────────────🔗 CONNECT WITH SEAN──────────────────────▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]──────────🕐 CHAPTERS──────────00:00 - The Networking Hack Nobody Talks About00:22 - Building a 17-Year Business Through Relationships03:46 - "Be Interested, Not Interesting" in Practice06:22 - Reading Body Language at Networking Events08:39 - Moving Past Small Talk With Strangers11:31 - What Makes Networking Events Exhausting19:07 - Pitching a Marketing Agency in the AI Era21:15 - Who Are We Marketing to When AI Wins?28:17 - The Acquisition That Only Goes Forward36:53 - Work-Life Balance Is a Founder's Hardest ProblemLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really take to break through a revenue plateau and build a business that outlasts your mistakes? In this episode, Ephraim Ebstein, an MSP entrepreneur who scaled past seven figures, shares the hard lessons he learned the long way. You will hear how developing financial literacy with the help of retired CEO mentors was the turning point that unstuck his business when it was trapped between seven and nine million dollars. Ephraim also breaks down why networking is never optional, showing you how a single spearfishing connection led to the job that taught him the entire industry and eventually the clients that made his company possible. And if you have ever wondered whether burning a bridge could cost you more than you think, his story of a former boss who later became his employee will make you rethink every professional relationship you have ever let go cold.──────────────────────────────────────────────────────📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)──────────────────────────────────────────────────────Get my brand new eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network──────────────────────📋 WORK WITH ME──────────────────────▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship──────────────────────🔗 CONNECT WITH SEAN──────────────────────▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]──────────🕐 CHAPTERS──────────00:00 - Networking: Love It or Hate It?00:22 - Flying to Events to Find the Right Rooms01:08 - The One Connection That Started Everything03:49 - Retired CEOs Roasted Ephraim on Financials06:21 - Pay to Be in the Right Places11:26 - Two Takeaways, Two Relationships Per Event13:17 - Intentional Networking Beats Hoping for Luck16:00 - Never Burn Bridges Because The World Is Small21:07 - Diversifying Investments to Weather Any Storm40:00 - The Principle Behind All of Ephraim's SuccessLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Entrepreneur Scott Meier evaluated over 100 businesses before deciding to acquire three unique brands under one roof: Budsies, Petsies, and Stuffed Animal Pros. But instead of applying a ruthless corporate "roll-up" strategy, Scott chose to become a steward of an artisan-driven brand. In this episode, we dive into the world of Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) and the booming "kid-alt" nostalgia market. Scott breaks down the complex logistics of global plush manufacturing, how his company uses its profits to support kids in hospitals and disaster zones, and how he personally uses AI tools like Claude to automate annoying tasks so his team has more time to be human. Finally, Scott shares his ultimate leadership lesson: why the best thing you can do to build trust and solve complex problems is simply to "say less." Check out the company: https://budsies.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Evaluating 100 Companies to Buy02:50 - The Budsies & Petsies Ecosystem05:50 - The "Kidault" Market & Nostalgia08:35 - Making Artisan Products at Scale12:15 - Avoiding the Corporate "Roll-Up" Model16:20 - Pencils of Promise & The Power of Charity20:00 - Why Facebook Ads Are Creepy23:45 - Using AI to Give Us Time to Be Human26:10 - The #1 Leadership Lesson: Say LessLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever received terrible advice from a "successful" investor or mentor? In this episode, Igor Taber explains why taking advice from VCs who built companies a decade ago might actually destroy your startup. Because the market has drastically changed, relying on outdated experience makes these investors "credible and wrong"—the most dangerous combination in the startup world. We also dive into the insane $1.7 trillion AI investment bubble , why giving non-technical founders AI coding tools is like giving them a bazooka , and the truth about how top VC firms actually generate deal flow through cold outreach. Finally, Igor breaks down the three ways to build a venture firm and why being humble is the ultimate survival skill in a market where nobody truly knows the future. Check out the company: https://cortical.vc----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Why "Credible and Wrong" Kills Companies00:43 - The 3 Ways to Build a VC Firm02:20 - Do VCs Actually Cold Call Founders?08:00 - The $1.7 Trillion AI Investment Bubble11:00 - Vibe Coding & The Bazooka Problem17:28 - Why Outdated Founder Experience is Dangerous20:00 - How VCs Raise Their Own Funds23:50 - Angel Investing vs. VC Funds29:11 - The Most Important Lesson in Venture CapitalLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you do great work but struggle to consistently get referrals? In this episode, Bill Cates breaks down the exact psychology of borrowed trust and why simply doing a good job doesn't automatically make you referable. We discuss the Triangle of Trust, how to actively train your network to recognize your ideal clients, and why using 1-minute case studies is the ultimate follow-up strategy to stay top of mind. We also dive into why vague intentions produce vague results, the danger of name-dropping irrelevant big clients to win business, and why the old advice of only hire people you'd have a beer with is actually destroying your team's potential. Plus, Bill shares a legendary Vince Lombardi quote that will completely change how you manage your energy and mindset as an entrepreneur. Check out the company: https://billcates.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - The Power of Borrowed Trust 01:45 - How Sean Built a 100% Referral Business 04:47 - Should You Pay Commissions for Referrals? 08:02 - How to Actually Become Referable 11:47 - The 1-Minute Case Study Strategy 13:18 - Sean's AI Content Engine Strategy 16:25 - Why Radical Relevance is Everything 22:50 - Vague Intentions Produce Vague Results 26:46 - The Mistake of Hiring People Like You30:06 - Fatigue Makes Cowards of Us All Leave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've ever felt drained, exhausted, or frustrated by traditional networking events, you aren't alone. In this episode, Davide Cannarozzi explains why showing up to a random event without a clear strategy is a massive waste of your time and energy. Instead of treating networking as a casual interaction, Davide reveals why the most elite networkers treat relationship-building like being a diplomat or a spy—using intense planning, research, and flashcards to connect with the right people.We break down the critical differences between "random," "utilitarian," "intentional," and "serendipity" networking, and why you must build networking as an infrastructure for your life rather than a one-off chore. We also dive into the dangers of building a business without a clear vision or a mentor, and how that exact lack of self-awareness led to a grueling half-a-million-dollar loss in my own tech startup journey. Finally, we explore how to manage Dunbar's number in a world where technology connects us to thousands, and why you must "prune" your network just like the brain prunes unused synapses. Check out the company: https://rif.ventures----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Why Networking Feels So Exhausting 04:40 - Why Sean Ignored Networking at a Recent Event 06:36 - The 4 Types of Networking Explained 09:14 - Sean’s $500,000 Startup Mistake 13:36 - The Critical Importance of Mentorship 15:08 - Using a Podcast for Intentional Networking 16:14 - Davide’s MBA Cleantech Hustle 26:50 - Technology, Dunbar’s Number, and Brain Synapses 30:46 - Why You Should Treat Networking Like a SpyLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever been to an event where the person you're talking to is just looking past you for their next "lead"?. In this episode, Charles Lee breaks down why treating human connection like a transactional sales funnel will ultimately hold you back. We explore how genuine business flows naturally from authentic relationships, why you need to stop asking boring questions like "what do you do?", and how to cultivate deep curiosity about others. Charles shares a story of how a free, rainy-day speaking gig led to a 15-year relationship with one of his biggest clients , and we discuss the psychology of eye contact, body language, and the dreaded "resting thinking face". Finally, we tackle the ultimate question every driven entrepreneur must ask themselves: when it's all said and done, how much is enough?. Check out the company: https://ideation.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Business Flows From Relationships 01:18 - How One Free Panel Led to a 15-Year Client 03:42 - The Power of Genuine Curiosity 06:48 - Why Remembering Names and Details Matters 09:23 - Eye Contact and the "Resting Thinking Face" 11:13 - Public Speaking and Facilitation 13:02 - Expressing Gratitude to Your Network 14:55 - Why Sean Stopped Going to Networking Events 17:37 - Making a Lifelong Mentor in China 19:34 - What Matters Most & "How Much is Enough?" Leave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are your AI inference costs starting to eat into your startup's budget? In this episode, I sit down with Rob May to discuss the impending shift in the AI industry: moving from massive, expensive frontier models to optimized, task-specific workflows. Rob explains why using a massive model for a simple task is like paying an astrophysicist to balance your checkbook, and how routing requests to smaller models can significantly cut down on your token spend. We also dive into the realities of startup hiring, including why executives must network for talent months in advance and how "experienced" corporate hires can completely derail your early-stage systems. Finally, Rob shares his ultimate advice for founders: why cozying up to massive markets is the best way to de-risk your business. Check out the company: https://neuromatic.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Get my brand new eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Why Founders Must Network Before Hiring03:45 - The $30,000 Corporate Hiring Mistake06:20 - Selling to IT Professionals vs. Sales Teams08:15 - The Alex Hormozi Free Content Strategy10:50 - How to Reduce High AI Inference Costs13:30 - Tasks vs. Models: The Future of AI16:45 - Moving AI Workflows to Microservices21:10 - The "Big Market" Secret to EntrepreneurshipLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does having ADHD make you a better entrepreneur? Transformation artist and former actress Helen Millar believes her neurodivergence is actually her greatest superpower. In this episode, Helen reveals why the ADHD brain's high risk tolerance and elite pattern recognition give founders a massive edge in business. We explore how to trust your deepest intuition, why playing small is the most dangerous thing you can do, and why having the wrong support system is worse than having none at all. Helen also shares her wildly unorthodox approach to networking , and why she walked away from a successful acting career to maintain her integrity. Plus, we finally uncover the psychological truth behind "Resting Bitch Face" and why it’s actually a sign of intense, ADHD-driven deep listening. Check out the company: https://hearthealer.co.uk----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Get my brand new eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - The Secret ADHD Advantage 01:47 - Trusting Your Intuition & Playing Big 03:40 - Spotting Fake Support Systems 06:14 - The "Piss Up in a Brewery" Networking Guide 08:40 - How to Get Noticed When You're a "Nobody" 10:38 - The Art of Being Interested (Not Just Interesting) 14:06 - Don't Be a Slave to Your Business 16:56 - Why I Walked Away From Acting 18:12 - The Dark Side of Media Manipulation 21:50 - How to Become a Transformation Artist 26:54 - The Truth About "Resting Bitch Face" and ADHD 30:00 - Becoming a Master of MeaningLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our 300th episode, the podcast is officially rebranding to focus on business networking! To celebrate, I brought on my very first mentor, Meir Simhi. Years ago in China, Meir helped me realize my true value in networking, which eventually led to me generating $15 million in crypto fundraising sales.In this episode, Meir breaks down his new "Product Theory" and why asking "what to sell" is the wrong question. We deconstruct my new business idea (feeding your frustrations to your dog) and explore the true definition of a market. Check out the company: https://brandmasters.io----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Episode 300 & The Business Networking Rebrand02:37 - The Loneliest Part of Entrepreneurship05:08 - Why Chasing Respect Repels People09:02 - How Meir Mentored Sean in China15:47 - The WeChat Course Failure19:10 - How Networking Made Sean $15 Million in Crypto23:51 - Why E-Commerce is Just "Commerce" Now26:24 - "The Product Theory": How to Decide What to Sell36:21 - Deconstructing Sean's "Dog Treat" Business Idea46:55 - The 4 Axes of Defining a Market54:26 - Why Shenzhen, China is the FutureLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you obsessed with self-improvement? Mental performance coach and former Wall Street hedge fund manager Evan Marks argues that constantly trying to "fix" yourself actually takes you further away from who you really are. In this episode, Evan explains why he completely rejects "positive psychology" in favor of "opportunistic reality". He trains high-achievers to treat their negative emotions as data and be ready for chaos like a "jaguar in the brush". Check out the company: https://m1performancegroup.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - The Fear of Regret00:26 - The Hardest Part of Being an Entrepreneur01:21 - Reinventing Yourself at 4603:06 - The Fear of Failure vs. Regret04:39 - Wall Street Stress & Uncertainty05:46 - Why Positive Psychology is Fluff10:50 - Why Self-Improvement is Ruining You12:10 - How to Build Trust and Be Vulnerable13:35 - Gen Z, Masculinity, & Coaching the Elite15:20 - Does Trauma Create High Achievers?20:18 - The Pain of Denial & Ignorance22:30 - The "Leaf vs. Root" Metaphor23:51 - Losing Purpose After a Big ExitLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it actually mean when a venture capitalist says they "don't have conviction" in your startup? Vaughn Crowe, an investor at MVP Capital , explains why VCs struggle to give founders honest feedback and what that dreaded rejection phrase really translates to. In this interview, Vaughn reveals how he sniffs out scammers versus real entrepreneurs by evaluating their true desire to build a big business. We discuss why having a massive advisory board at the pre-seed stage can be a major red flag , and whether founders should take a salary from their funding or bootstrap completely. Plus, he explains why leading your first VC meeting with a pitch deck is a fatal flaw and what you should do instead. Check out the company: https://nvpcapital.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - How VCs Spot Fake Founders & Scammers03:37 - Should You Hide Competing Term Sheets from VCs?09:30 - Why Advisory Boards are a Red Flag for Early Startups17:54 - Should Founders Take a Salary?21:50 - Do Founders Still Need VCs in the Age of AI?24:26 - Why VCs Won't Give You Honest Feedback30:00 - The Real Meaning of "I Don't Have Conviction"34:30 - Never Open a VC Meeting With a Pitch DeckLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you getting thousands of views on your YouTube Shorts but struggling to turn them into loyal subscribers or paying clients? Ben Pines, who helped scale Elementor from $0 to $100M ARR, explains exactly why your social media strategy is falling flat and how to fix it. In this live "workshop" style episode, Ben and Sean deconstruct Sean’s own content strategy. They discuss why AI has completely killed generic SEO content, why short-form video often leads to "empty views," and the secret to transitioning from a generic content creator to a highly paid trusted advisor. Ben reveals how to use the "Ezra Klein Method" to turn your content into a deep, problem-solving engine that naturally attracts your ideal audience. Check out the company: https://benpines.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Why You're Getting Views but No Subscribers01:45 - Deconstructing a Failing Content Strategy03:40 - The Golden Rule of Content: What Pays the Rent?08:35 - Why "Curiosity" is Killing Your Podcast12:40 - How to Tie Your Content Directly to Your Business18:00 - Why AI Has Ruined Generic SEO Content19:25 - The "Ezra Klein" Method for Building True Authority22:50 - Stop Pretending You Know Everything26:30 - Flip the Script: Solve Client Problems Live38:30 - The Truth About YouTube Shorts & Distribution43:30 - Elementor’s $100M Lesson: You Need a Bigger StoryLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What will human civilization look like in 150 years? Abdo John Hajj, partner at Type One Ventures, believes we are at the beginning of a deep tech supercycle that will transition humanity into a "Type 1 Civilization"—one that harnesses the full energy of its host star and becomes truly interplanetary. In this interview, Abdo explains why space is not just about rockets, but about building the infrastructure for abundance. We discuss why Tesla's Optimus robots will likely colonize Mars before humans do , the critical need for a "circular economy" in space (mining water for fuel) , and the geopolitical reality of who will enforce the law on the lunar surface. Check out the company: https://type1ventures.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Why Space is the Next Deep Tech Supercycle02:20 - The "Space HoldCo" Strategy: Investing in Infrastructure06:30 - Elon Musk: The Ultimate "Venture Operator"08:35 - The Reality: Why Space Startups Need Government Contracts12:35 - Star Trek vs. Star Wars: The Future of Civilization14:15 - Geopolitics: Who Enforces Law on the Moon?16:45 - Sending Tesla Bots to Build Martian Colonies21:00 - The Next-Gen Space Station: Axiom Space22:20 - Mining the Moon for Water & Fuel27:00 - The Power of Vision & Systems ThinkingLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do most startups waste thousands of dollars on advisors who deliver zero results? Ron Levin, a partner at Alumni Ventures, explains why you should never pay a retainer to an advisor and how to structure equity-based deals that actually align incentives. In this interview, Ron shares his transition from co-founding TravelPerk (a unicorn startup) to becoming a venture capitalist. He reveals why he prefers investing over operating, the "Cold Outreach" myth that stops founders from reaching VCs, and the new trend of startups hitting $1M ARR before even raising a seed round. He also breaks down his "Super Angel" scout program and why the best founders are often the ones who failed their first time. Check out the company: https://alumniventures.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Founder vs. Investor: Which is Better?02:20 - How to Find the "One in a Million" Startup05:08 - Why Venture Capital Still Works (Despite the Failures)07:54 - The "First Check" Myth: Who Really Invests First?08:35 - Why VCs Brag About Seeing thousands of Decks10:04 - The "Cold Outreach" Truth: How to Get a Meeting14:40 - Stop Hiring Advisors on Retainer (Do This Instead)17:00 - How to Use Advisors to Open Doors (The TravelPerk Story)19:50 - My Worst Investment Mistake ($50k to Zero)21:28 - The New Standard: $1M ARR for Seed Rounds?25:40 - Alumni Ventures Investment Strategy (Co-Investing)27:28 - The #1 Career Lesson: Do What You Actually LikeLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is AI about to replace your stock broker? Christine Healey, a pre-IPO investment expert, explains why Claude AI missed a critical detail in a deal that could have cost her client millions—and why human brokers are still essential in the private market. In this interview, Christine and Sean discuss the "wild west" of pre-IPO investing, how to avoid scams when buying shares of companies like SpaceX and Stripe, and the secret tax strategies (like the Peter Thiel Roth IRA hack) that can save you millions. They also debate whether employees selling shares before an IPO is a red flag or just smart financial planning. Check out the company: https://healeypreipo.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Why AI Can't Replace Investment Brokers (Yet)01:30 - The Human Touch in Private Equity Deals02:20 - Direct Shares vs. SPVs: Which is Better?04:40 - Pre-IPO Scams: How to Not Get Ripped Off08:15 - Why Employees Sell Shares Before an IPO10:45 - How to Invest in SpaceX & OpenAI13:20 - What Does "Pre-IPO" Actually Mean?16:00 - Early Stage vs. Late Stage Venture Risk18:00 - Taking Fees as Equity (The "Carry" Strategy)19:25 - The Taboo of Secondary Sales21:00 - The "WeWork" Lesson: Why Cash Flow Matters24:00 - The Peter Thiel Tax Hack (Roth IRA Investing)26:50 - The #1 Lesson: Details Make the DealLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is AI about to replace lawyers, or is it a "disaster" waiting to happen? Omeed Tabiei, a startup lawyer, breaks down the viral story of Fred Wilson replacing a $50k legal bill with AI and why it has the legal industry panicking. However, he also shares cautionary tales of founders who used AI templates (like Rocket Lawyer) and ended up with messy, expensive legal battles. In this interview, Omeed and Sean discuss the critical legal mistakes that destroy startups: from choosing an LLC instead of a Delaware C-Corp, to 50/50 co-founder equity splits without vesting. He also reveals a unique strategy one client used to raise $600k in 30 days directly from their customers on social media. Check out the company: https://optimistlegal.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Fred Wilson vs. The $50k Legal Bill (AI Replacement?)02:18 - Why AI Legal Advice is Often Wrong (And Dangerous)05:07 - When Do You Actually Need a Lawyer? (Pre-Seed vs. Series A)09:30 - The Founder Who Ruined His Exit with a Rocket Lawyer Template11:35 - The Y Combinator Founders Who Stole Code & Got "Flamed"13:20 - The #1 Co-Founder Mistake: 50/50 Splits & No Vesting16:25 - Why VCs Will NEVER Invest in an LLC (Delaware C-Corp Only)20:50 - How One Founder Raised $600k in 30 Days on Social Media25:40 - Debt vs. Equity: When to Stop Selling Your Company27:10 - The #1 Career Lesson: Be a Voracious LearnerLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the new open-source AI agent "OpenClaw" a revolutionary tool for startups, or a dangerous liability that could destroy your computer and spend thousands of your dollars? Sze Wong returns to the podcast to debate Sean on the massive risks and rewards of giving autonomous AI agents full control over your machine. In this heated discussion, Sze explains why the future of startups isn't building SaaS products, but rather selling "AI Agent Teams" as a service—like a digital staffing firm. Meanwhile, Sean shares terrifying stories of AI models trying to blackmail engineers and why he refuses to give agents access to his personal data. They also cover why Sze prefers Anthropic's Claude over OpenAI , the psychology of naming your AI "Felix" , and how Sze used AI to build a Calendly clone over a single weekend. Check out the company: https://zenithstudio.io----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - The Controversial Thesis: Why OpenClaw Will Win00:25 - The Dangers of Autonomous AI Agents03:25 - How to Safely Test AI Agents (Use a VPS)04:40 - The AI That Tried to Blackmail an Engineer08:40 - Claude Code vs. OpenAI: Which is Better?15:00 - The Psychology of Naming Your AI (Meet "Felix")20:15 - Why SaaS is Dead (The "AI Staffing Firm" Future)24:00 - Building a Calendly Clone in One Weekend with AI28:30 - The Reality of "Vibe Coding" to ProductionLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you unknowingly breaking the law by paying a commission to someone helping you raise capital? Wendy Culbertson, a securities lawyer, warns that many startup founders are violating SEC rules by paying "finders" who are not registered broker-dealers. In this interview, she explains the severe consequences of these illegal payouts, including civil and criminal liability. Wendy breaks down the complex world of SEC regulations, explaining the critical differences between Regulation D (506b vs 506c), Regulation A (Mini-IPO), and Crowdfunding (Reg CF). She also reveals the "safe harbor" strategies for hiring internal investor relations staff without triggering regulatory action and why founders should think twice before handling filings themselves. Check out the company: https://----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Why Many Founders Are Breaking Securities Law01:50 - The Danger of Paying "Finder's Fees"04:12 - What is a Broker-Dealer? (SEC Definition)07:05 - Safe Harbor: Hiring Employees to Raise Capital09:20 - Can You Pay Fundraisers with Equity?10:20 - Reg D vs. Reg A vs. Crowdfunding Explained15:00 - Why Reg D and Reg CF Are Named That Way18:50 - When Do You Need to File with the SEC?20:00 - "Blue Sky Laws": State-Level Compliance Nightmares23:30 - Should Founders File Their Own SEC Forms?24:35 - The Risks of Unregistered Broker-Dealers (Criminal Action)Leave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do most climate startups fail to scale? Tom Chi, a founding member of Google X and inventor with 77 patents, argues that relying on "Green Premiums" or even price parity is a death sentence. In this interview, he reveals the "CapEx Inertia" trap that prevents factories from adopting new tech and why your solution needs to be 3x cheaper than the incumbent to survive. Tom shares the heartbreaking story of watching a coral reef die in just two months—a tragedy that pushed him from inventing to investing. He breaks down his unique physics-based diligence process (analyzing Matter, Energy, Time, and Space) and explains why he focuses on the four industries responsible for 90% of water pollution. Finally, he shares his life philosophy on why you should focus on "verbs" (your metabolism of learning) rather than "nouns" (status and titles).Check out the company: https://www.atoneventures.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - From Google X Inventor to Climate Investor02:55 - The Coral Reef Tragedy: Extinction by 2055?08:38 - Why Hardware is Easier to Pick than SaaS11:53 - The 4 Industries Causing 90% of Damage13:28 - The "Triad" Investment Thesis14:40 - Why "Green Premiums" & Price Parity Fail15:40 - The "CapEx Inertia" Problem18:00 - How to Due Diligence with Physics (Matter, Energy, Time, Space)22:50 - Why Software Metrics Don't Work for Deep Tech25:35 - Investment Readiness Levels (Avoiding Science Risk)27:50 - The Cold Fusion & Superconductor Hype Cycles30:10 - The #1 Life Lesson: Nouns vs. VerbsLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is aiming for 10x growth actually easier than aiming for 2x? Philipp Wehn, founder of an AI company for heavy industries, explains how raising $15 million shifted his mindset from survival to dominance. In this interview, he reveals why you need to stop doing 80% of your tasks to achieve exponential results. Philipp breaks down his unique business model—combining a high-touch service agency with a scalable AI software platform—and why he charges enterprise clients based on value created ($1M+) rather than seat licenses. He also shares his "athlete mindset" for leadership, why he forces his team to take time off to recharge, and the critical difference between "playing not to lose" and "playing to win." Check out the company: https://nexxa.ai----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Why 10x Growth is Easier Than 2x01:29 - How to Audit Your Calendar for "Noise"02:40 - Charging for Value ($1M+) vs. Software Licenses06:00 - The Hermes Strategy: Why Premium Pricing Wins07:13 - The "Athlete Mindset": Discipline & Recovery10:04 - Building Culture Remotely (VR Nights & Off-Seasons)12:15 - Running Your Startup in "Seasons" (The NFL Model)14:26 - The Netflix "Keeper Test" for Employees16:15 - Why We Raised $15M (Speed vs. Bootstrapping)18:30 - The "LLM Wrapper" Debate: Why Engineering Matters21:40 - Business Model Innovation as a Moat27:53 - The #1 Lesson: Stop Playing Not to LoseLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do talented new hires often destroy value instead of creating it? Matt Putra, founder of EightX and a fractional CFO for 8-figure brands, argues that "profitability is a human problem," not a math problem. In this interview, he explains how misaligned teams create operational drag and how he helps companies save millions (like a recent $1.5M inventory win) by fixing communication rather than just tweaking spreadsheets. Matt and Sean also dive deep into the future of AI in business, debating whether we are heading toward a "Utopia" with Universal Basic Income or a total economic collapse. They discuss Sean's experience "Vibe Coding" a SaaS product using AI, the risks of buying a business versus starting one, and why an "irrational belief in oneself" is the most important trait for success. Check out the company: https://eightx.co👀 CONNECT WITH SEANSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@seanweisbrotLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrotInquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS00:00 - What is EightX? (CFOs for E-commerce & CPG) 01:50 - Using AI to Predict Sales & Analyze Sentiment 03:50 - Why Profitability is a Human Problem (Not Math) 10:20 - How "Well-Meaning" Experts Create Operational Drag 12:15 - Saving $1.5M by Optimizing Supply Chain 13:40 - Sean's "Vibe Coding" Story: Building SaaS with AI 17:20 - AI Utopia vs. Dystopia: Will the Economy Collapse? 21:50 - Buying a Business vs. Starting from Scratch 24:00 - The Risks of Acquisitions & Operations 27:00 - The #1 Lesson: Irrational Belief in Yourself📈 WORK WITH ME▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/ai-startup-fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/collaborate▶ My AI/Automation Agency: https://optimai.aiLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can you land enterprise clients like Marriott and Panasonic without a massive sales team? Dima Syrotkin, founder of Panda Training, reveals his strategy for hacking enterprise sales: partnering with consulting firms who already have the trust (and the golf buddies) to close the deal for you. In this interview, Dima and Sean discuss why firing middle managers is a mistake, the reality of "AI shrinking companies," and why getting SOC2 and ISO certifications was the best $20k he ever spent. Dima also shares his personal struggle with defensiveness as a CEO and how hiring an angel investor full-time forced him to confront his own ego. Check out the company: https://pandatron.ai👀 CONNECT WITH SEANSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@seanweisbrotLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrotInquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS00:00 - Why Companies are Stagnating (Coordination Problems) 01:46 - Why "Firing All Managers" (Holacracy) Doesn't Work 04:13 - Will AI Shrink or Grow Companies? 06:11 - How to Hack Enterprise Sales with Channel Partners 09:30 - The Risk of Relying on Partners (Conflict of Interest) 11:28 - Why You Need a Direct Sales Channel to Survive 14:26 - The Power of Face-to-Face Sales in Enterprise 16:04 - Landing the First Big Client (0 to $1M ARR) 17:40 - The Nightmare of Enterprise Security (300-Page Questionnaires) 21:00 - How to Get ISO/SOC2 Certified for $20k 24:40 - Hiring Top Talent After an Exit 27:47 - The #1 Lesson: Stop Being Defensive📈 WORK WITH ME▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/ai-startup-fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/collaborate▶ My AI/Automation Agency: https://optimai.aiLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is AI coming for your job, or just the boring parts you hate? Tim Cakir, an AI consultant who scaled his agency to nearly $1M ARR in the first year, reveals why he believes "boring work" is the enemy of productivity and how AI agents can eliminate it. In this interview, Tim shares the controversial story of how he helped a company replace 50 employees with an automation tool, why he believes leaders are manufacturing AI fear, and how he built a fully automated sales CRM using Claude and Make.com. He also debates Sean on the future of "Vibe Coding" and why the future of work might just be a black terminal screen. Check out the company: https://aioperator.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Why Leaders Are Creating AI Fear03:32 - The "10-Year Clock" Until Work Becomes Optional06:20 - Will AI Kill Junior Jobs? (The Skill Gap Crisis)09:30 - How to Document Your Processes for AI12:12 - "Vibe Coding" vs. Building Real Systems16:40 - Automating the "Boring Work" (Sales CRM Example)20:53 - Sean's Struggle to Automate His Podcast24:30 - Why I Love Working in the Terminal (No UI)28:50 - The Future of AI Agents & Automation33:40 - Firing 50 People: The Hard Truth About EfficiencyLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do ad platforms like Meta and Google claim credit for sales they didn't actually generate? Scott Desgrossilliers explains why relying on ad platform data is like letting the "fox watch the henhouse" and how it leads businesses to burn cash on ineffective campaigns. In this interview, Scott and Sean discuss the complexities of multi-touch attribution, why you need an unbiased "source of truth" for your data, and how to lower your Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) by feeding better signals back to ad algorithms. They also dive into the reality of buying a business vs. starting one, the importance of hiring for "grit," and why YouTube subscribers might be a vanity metric if you don't have an email list. Check out the company: https://wickedreports.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Why Ad Platforms Lie About Your Sales02:15 - How Conversion Tracking Actually Works (The "Fox in the Henhouse")04:32 - The Difference Between First-Click & Last-Click Attribution06:04 - Sean's Struggle with YouTube Ads & Subscribers08:38 - Why You Need a Middle-of-Funnel Strategy (Email Lists)16:04 - Buying a Business vs. Starting From Scratch24:43 - The #1 Trait to Hire For: Grit & Persistence29:30 - Hiring Mistakes: The MIT Graduate vs. The Doer33:17 - How to Filter Candidates Before You Interview Them36:36 - Lowering CAC by 40% with Better Data SignalsLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you save a startup when growth flatlines? Itai Sadan, co-founder of Duda, reveals the two critical pivots that saved his company: shifting from mobile-only to responsive design, and the controversial decision to ignore 50% of his customers (small businesses) to focus entirely on agencies. In this interview, Itai explains why AI is the new SEO, how to optimize your website for ChatGPT search, and why the combination of AI and human creativity is the future of web design. He also shares the hard truth about competing with giants like Wix and WordPress and why founders must sometimes make painful decisions to survive. Check out the company: https://duda.co----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Why Agencies Use Duda vs. WordPress/Wix03:00 - The New SEO: Ranking on ChatGPT & AI Search06:27 - Will AI Replace Web Designers?09:30 - The Future: Voice AI Building Websites?12:35 - The Hardest Part of Being a CEO (Constant Growth)19:30 - Pivot #1: Mobile-Only to Responsive Design22:20 - Pivot #2: Ignoring 50% of Customers (SMBs) to Focus on Agencies26:40 - Surviving 2 Years of Flat Growth31:50 - There is No Single Playbook for SuccessLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do the ultra-wealthy ignore the traditional 60/40 portfolio? Tad Fallows, founder of a high-net-worth community, reveals that his members hold almost zero bonds and use portfolio lines of credit instead of keeping cash reserves. In this interview, he breaks down the actual asset allocation strategies used by those with $5M-$100M+ net worths, including why they prioritize private equity and real estate over public bonds. Tad also explains why whole life insurance is almost never a good investment , the difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts for estate planning , and sophisticated tax strategies for selling concentrated stock positions—like Exchange Funds and Direct Indexing—without triggering a massive tax bill. Check out the company: https://longangle.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Sudden Wealth: Why You Don't Need a Wealth Manager Yet02:55 - High Net Worth Insurance (Umbrella & Carriers)05:54 - Stop Buying Whole Life Insurance08:33 - Estate Planning: Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts11:25 - Are Offshore Trusts (Cook Islands) Worth the Risk?14:46 - Asset Allocation: Why the Wealthy Don't Own Bonds17:26 - The "Portfolio Line of Credit" Strategy (No Cash Drag)20:23 - Private Equity vs. Public Markets25:46 - How to Sell Concentrated Stock Without Taxes (Exchange Funds)27:51 - Using Direct Indexing for Tax Loss Harvesting29:16 - The 12-Month "Cooling Off" Rule for WindfallsLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why should most startups avoid hiring a PR agency until after their Series A? Jackson Wightman, founder of a tech PR firm, argues that early-stage companies often waste money on agencies before they are ready. In this interview, he breaks down the right time to invest in public relations and why the playing field has tilted against those who ignore AI. Jackson also reveals how AI has fundamentally changed the agency model—allowing him to grow 15-20% without hiring junior employees. He discusses the problem of "AI Slop" in media pitches, the terrifying reality of a "lost generation" of workers who can't get entry-level experience, and how Chinese manufacturers are aggressively taking over Amazon's "Buy Box" by bypassing traditional branding. Check out the company: https://properpropoganda.net----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - How AI Changed the PR Industry Forever01:32 - Why Your Startup Shouldn't Hire a PR Agency Yet02:52 - The Plague of "AI Slop" in Pitch Emails05:31 - Using AI for Media Training & Research08:38 - Why We Stopped Hiring Junior Employees10:48 - Is the Career Ladder Broken? (The Junior Talent Crisis)13:21 - The Future of Work: Scared to Have Kids?17:45 - How Chinese Brands Are Dominating Amazon21:58 - Trust & Brand Equity: Why Product Isn't Everything26:17 - The Translation Fail That Hurt a Game Launch28:58 - The #1 Rule for Agency Success: Run by NumbersLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the $400 billion currently being poured into AI infrastructure a visionary bet or a massive bubble waiting to burst? Vijay Rajendran explains why we are seeing the biggest investment in fixed capital since the railroads, and what could cause it all to come crashing down. In this interview, Vijay and Sean discuss the new velocity of fundraising, where startups hit $100M ARR in months, and the rise of "seed-strapping" (raising once, then profiting). They also debate why VCs are obsessed with "founder pedigree," the structural reasons why European startups struggle to scale compared to the US, and the geopolitical shocks (food and fuel prices) that could abruptly end the AI party. Check out the company: https://gai.ventures----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - How AI Changed Fundraising Forever00:40 - The Anomaly: 0 to $100M Revenue in 12 Months04:02 - What is "Seed-Strapping"? (Profitable & Funded)09:02 - The Pedigree Trap: Why VCs Obsess Over Stanford/Ex-OpenAI10:07 - The Alumni Ventures Model14:43 - Silicon Valley vs. Lisbon: Why Europe Can't Scale17:32 - The Bureaucracy Problem in the EU23:34 - The $400B Bet: Will the AI Bubble Burst?27:32 - The "Geopolitical Shock" That Could Crash the Market29:59 - How to Win Investor Money Right Now (Momentum)Leave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the "Amazon Age," customers expect custom products yesterday. Eric Turney explains why businesses are now "forced to automate" or get left behind. In this interview, he reveals how Chinese manufacturers are using robotics to reduce factory lines from 50 workers to just 5 and why speed is now the most critical metric for survival. The conversation delves into the practical side of automation: using Monday.com to manage thousands of orders , implementing AI image editors to stay competitive , and the controversial rise of "Vibe Coding." Eric shares how he bypassed expensive developers to fix a critical website bug in 30 minutes using Claude AI , while Sean details how he built a functional SaaS tool using Cursor without writing the code himself. Check out the company: https://montereycompany.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - The State of Automation in E-Commerce00:53 - How Robots Replaced 90% of Factory Workers03:28 - Dialing in Manufacturing Processes in China07:15 - Automating Order Management (Monday.com)11:21 - The "Amazon Age": Why Speed is Everything13:15 - Adopt AI or Get Left Behind16:05 - Vibe Coding: Replacing Developers with AI19:53 - Sean's Story: Building a SaaS App with Cursor27:10 - Fixing Critical Bugs in 30 Minutes with Claude32:38 - The Reality of Buying a Business (It's Hard)34:36 - Why Culture is Your Best Retention StrategyLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did people turn down a $5,000 cash reward for referring a candidate? Dakota Younger discovered a strange psychological phenomenon while building his referral platform: offering money sometimes decreases motivation. In this interview, he breaks down the complex psychology of incentives, explaining why altruism often outperforms cash and how to structure a referral program that actually works. Dakota also explains why posting jobs is the least effective way to hire, the power of accessing passive talent through social capital, and the "Ice Cream Study" theory on why giving people too many choices leads to decision paralysis. Finally, he shares his most humbling lesson as a founder: admitting that he knows "absolutely nothing." Check out the company: https://goboon.co----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Why Most Hiring Tools Fail (Employer-Centric)01:39 - The Power of Social Capital in Referrals04:10 - Why "Passive Talent" is the Gold Standard06:27 - Hiring Remote Developers (Sean's Experience)11:26 - How to Incentivize Referrals (Points vs. Cash)16:34 - Why People Declined My $5,000 Cash Reward18:34 - The Psychology of Altruism vs. Money23:20 - The "Ice Cream Study": Why Less Choice is More28:34 - Cultural Differences in Motivation (Asia vs. West)31:35 - The #1 Lesson: "I Know Absolutely Nothing"Leave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did David Windley disrupt the recruiting industry by moving from commissions to an hourly model? In this interview, he reveals how he scaled his firm to $50 million in revenue before selling it. He explains why the traditional 33% commission model is broken for clients and how he implemented a professional services approach instead. David unpacks the terrifying reality of a 75% revenue drop during COVID and how furloughing staff saved the company. He also shares why he spun out a software startup (Hoot Recruit) to build AI agents for sourcing, the truth about whether AI will replace human recruiters, and his #1 rule for leadership: character over competence.Check out the company: https://iqrecruit.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - The $50M Exit & The Hardest Part 00:41 - Surviving a 75% Revenue Drop During COVID 03:11 - Rebuilding to $50M Revenue Post-Pandemic 05:54 - Why I Sold the Business (The "Accidental Entrepreneur") 06:06 - Hourly vs. Commission: Disrupting the Recruiting Model 09:35 - Why the Industry Hates the Hourly Model 12:42 - How to Generate $50M on Hourly Rates 14:00 - Spinning Out "Hoot Recruit" Software  16:35 - Using AI Agents for Candidate Sourcing 19:26 - Will AI Replace Recruiters? (Human in the Loop) 25:30 - AI Bias and Why Humans Are Still Needed 27:26 - The #1 Leadership Rule: Character vs. Competence 29:08 - Why Culture Matters More Than PoliciesLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don't miss out on this game-changing Cursor technique designed specifically for AI entrepreneurs. While most use Cursor AI just for coding, there's a revolutionary way to manage your entire business, documents, emails, projects, and sales, directly within its interface, treating everything like code in a GitHub repository. In this demo, Seva Ustinov unveils this powerful workflow. Forget scattered AI tools; see how centralizing your company's context (strategy docs, meeting transcripts, competitor analysis) allows AI agents like Claude inside Cursor to automate huge portions of your non-coding work. Learn how this technique saves hours, increases accuracy, and could be the key to building a leaner, faster AI-driven business. Check out the company: https://ellyanalytics.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - The Cursor Technique AI Entrepreneurs NEED to Know01:27 - Why This Beats ChatGPT for Business Management01:55 - LIVE DEMO: Managing Business Docs in Cursor AI04:05 - Applying the Technique to Internal Company Ops06:03 - Maintaining Context: Cursor vs. Chat Threads07:14 - You're Still Responsible for the AI Output08:31 - Building Your "Canonical" Knowledge Base in Cursor11:35 - Using the Cursor Technique for Product Roadmapping18:30 - How This Technique Enables Leaner Teams19:10 - Managing Client Projects with the Cursor Technique22:15 - Seva's AI Product: Automating Performance Marketing31:58 - Why This Cursor Technique IS The Future of Work38:05 - Demo: AI Marketing Agent Based on Cursor Context46:03 - Automating Knowledge Extraction with This TechniqueLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Which is harder: being a founder or being an investor? Mike Lazerow has done both, building and selling companies for nearly $1 billion and now running a $400M VC fund and a PE firm. His answer might surprise you. In this interview, Mike unpacks the "existential dread" of entrepreneurship versus the challenges of deploying capital. He shares why he's most excited about AI transforming "boring" businesses , the reality of feeling lost and purposeless after a massive exit, and the single most important lesson he's learned: your network is your net worth. Check out the company: https://velvetseavc.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Founder vs. Investor: Which is Harder?01:19 - Why I Still Prefer Being an Entrepreneur02:04 - Scratching Both Itches: VC vs. PE05:49 - The Best Part of Being an Investor07:23 - Why AI Will Revolutionize "Boring" Businesses12:03 - The Post-Exit Depression No One Talks About14:30 - Feeling Lost After Selling for $1 Billion16:01 - Why We're the Luckiest People in the World19:57 - Why I Keep My Anonymity23:36 - Money Buys Security, Health & Freedom27:30 - Why Idle Brains Go Dark31:41 - Your Network IS Your Net Worth38:45 - Giving GaryVee His First Office Space40:40 - The #1 Rule in Life & BusinessLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeff Archibald is one of the lucky few who was able to sell his agency, and now he advises other agency owners. In this interview, he reveals what he would do differently if he had to start his agency all over again. We break down the critical mistakes most founders make, starting with the failure to set revenue goals and reverse-engineer a plan to meet them. Jeff explains why being too risk-averse and not reinvesting a portion of revenue into promotion hindered his agency's growth. He also shares the powerful 3-tier proposal method he adopted that transformed his pricing strategy by removing the fear of overpricing , and explains why you must proactively plan for your company's future instead of just reactively hiring when you get busy. This is a masterclass in building a sellable agency the right way. Check out the company: https://www.jeffarchibald.ca----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Thing #1: Reverse-Engineer Your Revenue Goals02:28 - Why "Making Money" Isn't Enough to Survive08:17 - Thing #2: Reinvest in Promotion From Day One10:06 - Thing #3: Build Strategic Partnerships Intentionally15:10 - Thing #4: Master The 3-Tier Pricing Proposal21:40 - The Psychology of Price Anchoring24:01 - Thing #5: Proactively Plan For Growth (Stop Reactive Hiring)28:18 - The Hard Truth About Your Identity After an Exit29:53 - Recovering From Founder BurnoutLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone is talking about an "AI-First" content strategy, but it's the wrong mentality, and it's killing your founder authority. In a world drowning in noise, you don't need to be everywhere; you need to be "undeniable where it counts." This interview with Ethan Monkhouse, founder of Naviro, breaks down the new rules for building authority as a founder. We explore why quality content is a hundredfold more important than quantity and how to use AI as a co-pilot for the heavy lifting, not as a replacement for human creativity. You'll learn the fatal flaw in most AI content tools and the framework for a content funnel that attracts your ideal customers without turning you into just another "supplier." Check out the company: https://naviro.ai----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: [email protected]🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Be Undeniable Where It Counts01:36 - Quality vs. Quantity in the Age of AI02:01 - Why The "AI-First" Mentality is Wrong02:30 - AI is The Co-Pilot, Not The Pilot04:09 - The Big Flaw in AI Content Tools05:48 - Building Your Content Funnel Framework08:36 - Why Your Content Must Be Evergreen12:24 - The #1 Mistake That Gets You Marked as a "Supplier"14:19 - Content Attracts, The Funnel Sells22:51 - Your LinkedIn Profile is a Landing Page, Not a Resume24:22 - The Most Important Lesson of My LifeLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.