A Founder's Life

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Caleb AveryWebsite: https://tilled.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-avery/What does it really take to build a fintech company from scratch?In this episode, Caleb Avery, Founder and CEO of Tilled, shares his journey from going door-to-door selling payment solutions at 19 to building a company redefining embedded payments with “PayFac as a Service.”Caleb opens up about the early days of entrepreneurship, the reality of startup life, and a defining moment during COVID when he had to decide whether to go all-in on his business while supporting a growing family.We also discuss why balance may be a myth, how to be intentional with time, and why founders must choose problems they’re willing to commit to for the long term.What you’ll learn:- Why most founders misunderstand “balance”- How Caleb built a fintech company from real market needs- The importance of being intentional with your time- Why passion for the problem matters more than the idea- How to think long-term as an entrepreneurLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Meredith HirshWebsite: meredithhirsh.comInstagram: @WorkingHealthcareFacebook: @WorkingHealthcareLinkedIn: @meredithfhirshYouTube: @WorkingHealthcareLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/meredithfhirshApple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/working-healthcare/id1746629912What happens when someone who never planned to work in medicine ends up building a thriving healthcare business?In this episode, Meredith Hirsh shares her journey from advertising and teaching to becoming CEO of the Hirsh Center for Arthritis and Sports Medicine, a 60-person independent medical practice in Florida.Meredith opens up about marriage at 21, raising three boys, balancing ambition with motherhood, flipping homes, going back for her MBA in her 40s, and the pivotal moment she realized founders can never fully walk away from their company.We also discuss confidence, health, yoga, family priorities, and why many aspiring entrepreneurs simply need to believe in themselves and start.What you’ll learn:- Why confidence is critical for entrepreneurs- How Meredith built a practice from scratch- The reality of balancing business and motherhood- Why founders must stay close to their business- How health and mindset fuel long-term successLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Rick BeyerWebsite: https://engagewellness.orgWebsite: https://onepacificfs.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/engagewellness/Email: [email protected] happens when an entrepreneur decides success should include health, family, and purpose, not just money?In this episode, Rick Beyer shares his journey from mergers & acquisitions and large-scale manufacturing with Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler, to building one of Arizona’s top financial services practices, and now leading companies focused on wealth planning and employee wellness.Rick explains why many founders sacrifice too much for growth, how wellness can become a business advantage, and why the most important returns in life aren’t financial.We also discuss family leadership, health discipline, staying coachable, and why belief is often the first step to becoming believable.What you’ll learn:- Why founders must protect health while building wealth- How consistency creates scalable businesses- Why family time is a real measure of success- The hidden tax and wellness opportunities for employers- Why belief creates momentum in entrepreneurshipLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Richard CraneLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/richardcrane/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/richcraneYouTube (Inventing Fire with AI)https://www.youtube.com/@InventingFirewithAIBlog (Inventing Fire with AI)https://inventingfirewith.ai/Business Website (MILL5)https://mill5.com/What does it take to build a company from two people in a room to hundreds across the world?In this episode, Richard Crane, Founder, CTO, and CAIO of MILL5, shares his journey from engineer to entrepreneur, building a global tech company while embracing difficulty instead of comfort.Richard talks about scaling a business, the importance of continuously learning (especially with AI), and why many people fall behind by not investing in themselves. He also shares a deeply personal story from his childhood that shaped his work ethic and relentless drive.What you’ll learn:- Why comfort limits growth- How AI is reshaping careers and productivity- The importance of continuous self-investment- How early experiences shape entrepreneurs- Why keeping your circle small mattersLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Bart DavisWebsite: https://512financial.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartdavis512/Many founders never planned to become entrepreneurs.In this episode, Bart Davis shares how a traditional career in accounting at PwC unexpectedly led him into entrepreneurship and eventually to co-founding 512 Financial, a fractional services firm helping companies with finance, accounting, talent, and operational support.Bart discusses the moment he took a leap from the corporate path, working alongside experienced entrepreneurs to scale and sell businesses, and how that experience ultimately gave him the confidence to start his own company.We also talk about balancing family life with entrepreneurship, protecting time for what matters most, and why founders must accept that many outcomes will always remain outside their control.What you’ll learn:• Why many founders become entrepreneurs accidentally• The opportunity that led Bart to leave a traditional career path• How fractional finance teams help businesses scale and exit• Why protecting family time is critical for founders• The importance of accepting uncertainty in entrepreneurshipLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Dave GrebetzLinkedIn: Dave GrebezHow do you go from working factory jobs and climbing cable poles to building and selling a successful company?In this episode, Dave Grebetz shares the real story behind founding ClearCom, growing it into a profitable recurring-revenue business, and eventually exiting after decades of perseverance.Dave talks about the early side hustles that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, the moment he realized he needed to change his life, and the challenges of building a business during recessions and personal tragedy. He also shares how losing his first wife to cancer reshaped his priorities and how health, discipline, and resilience became the foundation for his next chapter.This is a conversation about grit, long-term thinking, and staying true to your “why.”What you’ll learn:• Why side hustles often shape future entrepreneurs• The power of recurring revenue in building a scalable company• How to survive recessions and difficult business cycles• The mindset required to persevere when advisors say quit• Why entrepreneurs must stay connected to their deeper purposeLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslifeConnect with today's guest:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradswineheart/Oxford Advisory Group: https://oxfordadvisorygroup.com/What happens when everything you’ve built disappears overnight?In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Bradley Swinehart shares the deeply personal story of rebuilding after a hurricane destroyed his family home — and how that experience reinforced the mindset required to succeed as an entrepreneur.Bradley’s journey spans construction work, sales and marketing, and eventually leadership in the financial advisory world. Today, he serves as Chief Growth Officer at Oxford Advisory Group, helping families better understand retirement planning and financial strategy.This conversation dives into resilience, discipline, family support, and the mentality required to keep moving forward when life or business knocks you down.Bradley also shares practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including why marketing is often the real engine behind a successful business and why determination matters more than having the perfect idea.In this episode, we discuss:Bradley’s unconventional path into finance and entrepreneurshipLessons from losing everything in a hurricaneWhy resilience defines entrepreneurial successThe importance of family as a support systemDiscipline and mindset in health, business, and lifeWhy marketing is critical for every businessBalancing work, family, and personal well-beingAdvice for aspiring entrepreneursLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s GuestWebsite: http://www.leffcommunications.com/Substack: https://substack.com/ ⁨@lefffield⁩  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmleff/What does it really take to build a business that lasts?In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Scott Leff shares the honest, unfiltered journey of building a B2B content agency over 16 years, from freelancing without a plan to leading a 28-person team serving global clients.Scott breaks down the realities most founders experience but rarely talk about: uncertainty, saying yes before you’re ready, learning through failure, and figuring things out as you go. He also dives into the importance of health, agency, and building a life that works alongside your business.If you’re building something or thinking about it, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth, success, and the entrepreneurial path.In this episode, we cover:•Why most entrepreneurs “fall into” business•The power of saying yes (and when it backfires)•Lessons from failed and unprofitable projects•When to say no — and even fire clients•The role of failure in long-term success•Why agency and control matter for mental health•Balancing work, family, and personal life•The importance of learning from othersLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Darren LaudaLinkedIn: Darren LaudaEmail: [email protected]: https://www.outsetops.comIn this episode, Darren Lauda shares his unconventional path from joining the U.S. Army after high school to building a successful career in enterprise software and launching his AI forecasting company, Outset.Darren opens up about the early years of his career in software sales, working his way from receptionist to executive leadership at major technology companies. He also shares a deeply personal moment when a voicemail from his young son forced him to reevaluate his priorities and completely rethink how he approached work, health, and family.We discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, fitness, discipline, and why founders must learn to fail fast and iterate quickly.What you’ll learn:• Why entrepreneurship always takes longer than expected• The dangers of putting career ahead of family• How Darren rebuilt his health and fitness after years of neglect• Why forecasting is critical for scaling companies• The mindset founders need to move quickly and learn from failure⏱️ CHAPTERS 0:00 – From Army Service to Software Sales1:05 – Building a Career in Enterprise Software4:28 – The Voicemail That Changed His Priorities8:05 – Health, Fitness & Personal Discipline14:58 – Advice for Entrepreneurs: Fail FastLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Lindsay GorrillWebsite: https://www.stargoldcorp.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-gorrill-b98b07176/In this episode, Lindsay Gorrill shares his remarkable journey from chartered accountant to mining entrepreneur — building multiple mines around the world and navigating the extreme highs and lows of entrepreneurship.Lindsay talks about starting his first company with just $60,000, nearly going bankrupt, building operations across India and Canada, and why gold and silver remain critical hedges in a world filled with debt.We also explore the realities of the mining industry today, the importance of environmental responsibility, how travel shaped Lindsay’s worldview, and the mindset required to survive the brutal early years of entrepreneurship.What you’ll learn:• Why belief in yourself is essential for entrepreneurs• The brutal early failures behind successful companies• How global travel shaped Lindsay’s leadership philosophy• The reality of building a mine from discovery to production• Why gold and silver may play a critical role in the future economy⏱️ CHAPTERS 0:00 – From Chartered Accountant to Mining Entrepreneur1:00 – The First Mine and Early Failures2:17 – Global Mining Projects & India Expansion7:26 – Family, Balance & Life Outside Business11:23 – Pivotal Moments and Advice for EntrepreneursLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Ken SalazarLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-salazar-00198a8/Website: https://www.gosilveredge.com/Email: [email protected] Salazar is a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years in payments and fintech. From investment banking during the tech bust to scaling and exiting a payments business — and later buying it back — Ken shares hard-earned lessons about growth, leadership, and purpose.We talk about why America is still behind in payments innovation, how COVID accelerated digital adoption, and why scaling too fast can destroy a company. But more importantly, Ken opens up about a deeply personal realization at age 31 — when outward success left him feeling completely empty.What you’ll learn:• Why founders must not “scale broke”• The hidden dangers of private equity pressure• How success can mask personal emptiness• The discipline behind faith, fitness, and family• Why you can’t do anything alone — but must own everything yourself⏱️ CHAPTERS 0:00 – From Investment Banking to Payments1:49 – Reinventing Payments & Fintech Exit13:29 – Faith, Family & Daily Discipline35:16 – Success Without Fulfillment37:42 – Don’t Scale Broke & Final AdviceLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

Season 5 was about more than business.It was about:• Vision before revenue• Growth through discomfort• Learning from failure• Contentment over ego• And building support systems that matterIf you missed an episode, go back and catch up now.Season 6 is coming soon.Subscribe so you don’t miss it.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Brad McGinityLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcginity/What happens when your career in SaaS, your faith, your marriage, and your health all collide in real life?Brad McGinnity, Chief Revenue Officer at Tithely, shares his journey from stumbling into startup sales to leading revenue at a 50,000-customer global fintech platform serving churches and nonprofits.We talk about startup pressure, almost running out of cash, getting married young, raising three daughters, rebuilding after divorce shaped his teenage years, and why he believes in exercising every single day — no matter what.What you’ll learn:• Why founders shouldn’t chase the exit• How near-bankruptcy builds confidence• The “GPA method” for balancing life roles• Why exercise is non-negotiable for leaders• How faith and business can align⏱️ CHAPTERS0:00 – SaaS Career, Tithely & Serving Churches3:08 – Marriage, Kids & Building a Family Young5:38 – Soft 60, Health Habits & Daily Discipline13:54 – The GPA Method for Life Balance18:23 – Divorce, Startup Fear & Advice to FoundersLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Jeffrey HayzlettWebsite: https://c-suitenetwork.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayzlett/Podcast: All Business with Jeffrey HayzlettWhat happens when an entrepreneur stops chasing plans—and starts building momentum instead?In this episode, Jeffrey Hayzlett, Chairman of the C-Suite Network, former Fortune 100 CMO, media executive, and serial entrepreneur, shares his unfiltered journey from early entrepreneurship to Kodak, Bloomberg, Celebrity Apprentice, and building one of the largest trusted executive networks in the world.We talk about leadership, time protection, media as a business strategy, family, health, mentorship, and why success comes from focusing on hearts and minds—not just scale.What you’ll learn:• Why most careers aren’t planned—and why that’s okay• How Jeffrey built and sold hundreds of companies• Why leaders must guard their time relentlessly• The shift from “spray and pray” marketing to community• How family, health, and mentors shaped his leadership⏱️ CHAPTERS 0:00 – Entrepreneurial Beginnings & Early Wins3:42 – Kodak, Media, and the Shift to Digital Leadership6:30 – Building the C-Suite Network & Trusted Communities16:03 – Family, Health & Personal Rhythms32:04 – Mentorship, Pivotal Moments & Advice for FoundersLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Tim MetznerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmetznerCompany's Site: https://www.fireroad.io/Free daily booster shot of motivation: www.dailymo.coWhat does balance actually look like when you’re building companies and raising a family at the same time?In this episode, Tim Metzner, serial entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, and co-founder of FireRode, shares his journey from early startup life to building venture-backed companies while staying deeply present as a husband and father of four. We talk about family integration, health rhythms, faith, seasons of intensity, and why building with the right people matters more than doing everything yourself.What you’ll learn:• Why balance comes in seasons, not perfection• How to integrate family into entrepreneurship• Why health and fitness must be calendar “rocks”• The power of building with the right people• How faith shaped Tim’s leadership journey⸻⏱️ CHAPTERS (5 total, accurate)0:00 – Early Startup Life & Ecosystem Building2:51 – FireRode, Investing & Tech-Enabling SMBs5:30 – Family Integration & Being a Present Founder9:17 – Health, Fitness & Sustainable Energy19:23 – Faith, Identity & Advice for FoundersLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife   • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Jim ZipurskyWebsites: www.cfaw.com and www.cfaw.com/omahaLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-zipursky-2343281/What does a balanced life really look like after decades of entrepreneurship?In this episode, Jim Zipursky, Managing Director of Corporate Finance Associates Omaha and Chairman & CEO of CFA Worldwide, shares his unconventional path into investment banking, growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, navigating bankruptcy, building a global M&A firm, and learning over time how to slow down and enjoy life.We talk about family-first culture, long-term thinking, health, travel, and why founders don’t need to sprint forever to build something meaningful.What you’ll learn:• Why Jim says he was “the least qualified” for his role and why it worked• Lessons from family businesses, failure, and resilience• How CFA works with founder-led companies on M&A• Why family truly comes first in Jim’s life and firm• Slowing down, health, travel, and long-term balanceLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Stacy EnnisWebsite: https://stacyennis.comPodcast: Beyond BetterInstagram: @stacyennis - https://www.instagram.com/stacyennis/LinkedIn: Stacy Ennis - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacylynn/Youtube:  https://youtube.com/@UCSSBgjPbZEJyUOAYGcAoVYQ What if hustle culture is actually working against you?In this episode, Stacy Ennis, book strategist, entrepreneur, and host of Beyond Better, shares why rest, health, and intentional living are essential for sustainable success. We talk about designing a business around life (not the other way around), avoiding burnout, and redefining productivity for the long term.What you’ll learn:• Why hustle culture leads to diminishing returns• How rest improves clarity and performance• Designing a business that supports family and health• Recognizing burnout before it forces a stop• Stacy’s approach to sustainable success⏱️ CHAPTERS 0:00 – Hustle Culture vs. Restoration3:02 – Stacy’s Path Into Books & Entrepreneurship7:14 – Family, Health & Lifestyle Design12:28 – Burnout, Balance & Sustainable Performance17:06 – Advice for Founders Building Long-Term SuccessLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Darryl HefflineWebsite: https://www.darrylheffline.com Book: Shifting Gears at the Crossroads LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrylheffline/What happens when the identity you built as an entrepreneur suddenly collapses?In this episode, Darryl Heffline, a 40-year serial entrepreneur, executive, and author, shares the moment he realized he was completely unbalanced, lost, and unprepared for disruption. We talk about career failures, reinvention, family sacrifices, health wake-up calls, and the four foundational pillars Darryl believes every founder must build around: faith, family, fitness, and finances.What you’ll learn:• Why founders often tie identity too tightly to success• How disruption can become the catalyst for transformation• The cost of ignoring family and health• Why balance is measured in time, not intention• Darryl’s framework for rebuilding after setbacksLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Vova FeldmanCompany: FreemiusWebsite: https://freemius.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladimir-feldman/X (Twitter): https://x.com/vovafeldmanYouTube: Captain VovaWhat happens when a technical founder realizes that building software is easy but building a business is not?In this episode, Vova Feldman, Founder & CEO of Freemius, shares how turning a side project into a SaaS company revealed the hidden complexity of selling software globally. We talk about burnout, family, health, prioritization, and why calm, balance, and intuition matter more than constant hustle.What you’ll learn:• Why overworking eventually backfires• How Freemius was born from a founder’s pain point• The impact of family on focus and prioritization• Health, fitness, and mental clarity as a founder• Lessons from Techstars and early startup mistakes⏱️ CHAPTERS (5 total, accurate)0:00 – Burnout, Balance & the Cost of Overworking1:09 – From Developer to SaaS Founder (Freemius Origin)3:34 – Family, Kids & Reprioritizing Life6:14 – Health, Fitness & Mental Clarity13:22 – Pivotal Lessons, Stoicism & Advice for FoundersLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Aaron EdwardsCompany: The Charles GroupWebsite: https://www.thecharlesgrp.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronedwards/Personal Website: https://www.aaroncharlesedwards.com/Entrepreneurship isn’t a title, it’s a journey.In this episode, Aaron Edwards, Founder & CEO of The Charles Group, shares his path from Manchester to New York City, how he built a global digital agency from scratch, and why he believes entrepreneurship is part of life — not an end goal.We talk about leadership, parenthood, work–life integration, health, passion projects, and the mindset required to build something meaningful without losing yourself along the way.What you’ll learn:• Why entrepreneurship is a journey, not a status symbol• How Aaron built an agency from the ground up• The difference between work–life balance and integration• How becoming a parent reshaped his leadership• Health, longevity, and priorities as a founder• His advice for aspiring entrepreneursLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – J.D. LaRockOrganization: Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)Website: https://www.nfte.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-d-larock-j-d-ed-d-56765298/Instagram / TikTok: @NFTEWhat if entrepreneurship education isn’t just about starting businesses, but about building confidence, agency, and lifelong opportunity?In this episode, J.D. LaRock, President & CEO of NFTE, shares how entrepreneurship education transforms young people from underserved communities, why confidence is often the biggest barrier to success, and how mindset development carries far beyond business ownership. We also talk about family, health, balance, and the pivotal mentors who change lives.What you’ll learn:• Why confidence matters more than credentials• How entrepreneurship education builds agency• The role family and mentors play in long-term success• How health and balance fuel leadership• NFTE’s global impact and future vision⏱️ CHAPTERS0:00 – Why Entrepreneurship Requires Support & Confidence1:32 – J.D.’s Education Journey & Path to NFTE4:13 – Teaching Confidence Through Entrepreneurship8:24 – Health, Family & Living a Balanced Life16:23 – Pivotal Mentors, NFTE’s Growth & Advice for EntrepreneursLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Heather UdoCompany: ShoppableWebsite: https://www.shoppable.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherudo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherudo1/What starts as a simple consumer frustration can turn into a multi-year company, if you’re willing to push through rejection.In this episode, Heather Udo, Founder & CEO of Shoppable, shares how she built a universal checkout technology long before the market was ready, how she learned to sell through endless “no’s,” and why persistence, education, and clarity of problem matter more than timing.We also talk about family, health, work–life integration, and what it really looks like to build a business that supports, not replaces, your life.What you’ll learn:• How Heather turned a personal pain point into a platform• Why early rejection is part of the founder process• What selling looks like when you’re educating the market• How family influenced her decision to build a company• Health, routines, and work–life integration as a founder• Her best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs⏱️ CHAPTERS0:00 – From Consumer Frustration to Founding Shoppable2:00 – Early Sales, Rejection & Educating the Market6:53 – Family, Flexibility & Why It All Matters8:20 – Health, Fitness & Founder Well-Being12:22 – Pivotal Moments & Advice for EntrepreneursLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Brandon MartiniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonmartiniStratus Financial: https://stratisfinance.comAviation Mentors Podcast: Available on YouTube & SpotifyWhat happens when your entire team walks out, takes your clients, and nearly destroys the company you built from nothing?In this episode, Brandon Martini shares one of the most intense entrepreneurial stories we’ve heard on the show, a coup inside his flight school that pushed him to the edge… and how he rebuilt his businesses, launched Stratus Financial, and went on to become one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S.We also talk about parenting, happiness, health transformations, aviation, scuba diving, breathwork, relationships, and what balance really looks like for a founder.🔥 What you’ll learn:• How a full staff betrayal nearly collapsed Brandon’s business• Why trusting people can be both a strength and a weakness• How he lost 100 lbs and rebuilt his health• His philosophy on happiness vs. contentment• Family, breathwork, aviation, scuba diving & passions• The ONE mindset every entrepreneur must learnCHAPTERS 0:00 – The Flight School Coup That Nearly Broke Him1:29 – Brandon’s Entrepreneurial Journey & Early Lessons4:20 – Family, Parenting & Defining Happiness6:01 – Health Transformation: Losing 100 lbs & Daily Discipline9:03 – Passions: Flying, Scuba, Wine & Chasing Fears13:47 – Work–Life Integration & Relationships15:49 – Pivotal Moments: Betrayal, Pain & Resilience18:17 – Advice for Entrepreneurs & How to Find BrandonLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Ed DeAngelisWebsite: https://www.edacontractors.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-deangelis-eda-contractors/What does it really take to build a successful company and why do so many founders burn out before they get there?In this episode, Ed DeAngelis, CEO of EDA Contractors, shares the honest truth about entrepreneurship: the grind, the breakdowns, the resilience, and the long, painful journey of building something meaningful. From delivering newspapers at 11, to working construction, to leading a 450-person company, Ed’s story is a masterclass in commitment, balance, and emotional intelligence.  🔥 What you’ll learn• Why the first 10 years of business feel like survival mode• The role resilience plays in every founder’s journey• How Ed rebuilt his health after hitting a breaking point• What balance really looks like (and why it’s not constant)• How to prepare your kids and team for leadership• Why “humanity as a strategy” drives long-term successChapters:0:00 – Meet Ed & His Paperboy-to-CEO Journey1:07 – Working 9 Years Before Starting EDA Contractors3:28 – The Reality of Fear, Survival Mode & Resilience8:12 – Family, Balance, Mistakes & Leadership Growth15:04 – Health, Marathon Mindset & Long-Term WisdomLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslifeConnect with today's Guest:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajay-gupta-24255366/Website: https://www.stirista.com/Stirista's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stirista-global/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StiristaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stirista/Growing a business without funding takes resilience, especially when your two biggest clients disappear overnight.In this episode, Ajay Gupta, Founder & CEO of Stirista, shares the real story of building a data-driven marketing company from scratch, surviving massive setbacks, and creating a culture where people feel like family.Ajay’s journey is anything but traditional: from creative writing major → political campaigns → accidental marketer → CEO of a thriving data company trusted by major brands.His story is a powerful reminder that passion, persistence, and adaptability are far more important than a perfect career path.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:• How Stirista survived losing its biggest clients during COVID• Why every founder should diversify earlier than they think• The importance of passion in building a business• How Ajay created a family-like culture while scaling• Staying healthy while running a bootstrap company• The surprising link between creative writing & entrepreneurship👇 Chapters0:00 – Meet Ajay & His Journey Into Entrepreneurship2:12 – From Creative Writing to the World of Data4:58 – Building Stirista & Finding Early Clients7:33 – Culture, Family Influence & Staying Connected10:45 – COVID Pivot, Resilience & Ajay’s Advice to Founders👉 Subscribe for more conversations like this.👉 Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Candy MesserWebsite: https://affordablebookkeepingandpayroll.com/Podcast: Biz Help For YouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candymesser/Most entrepreneurs start their business dreaming of freedom — yet quickly become the bottleneck, overwhelmed, overloaded, and unable to step away.Candy Messer, founder of Affordable Bookkeeping and Payroll Services and certified Fractional COO, knows this story intimately. For over 20 years, she has helped overwhelmed founders delegate better, build systems, free up their time, and finally take a real vacation without checking email.In this conversation, Candy shares her journey from accidental entrepreneur → 11-person team → COO strategist helping founders reclaim their life. She opens up about boundaries, burnout, family, aging parents, health, baking sourdough, and finding real balance by empowering others.  🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:• Why founders become bottlenecks — and how to fix it  • How to delegate even when “it’s faster to do it yourself”• What real balance looks like in deadline-driven businesses• How entrepreneurs should approach health, nutrition & burnout• Why passion matters more than trends• The moment that pushed her to go all-in on entrepreneurship• How she built a team that can run the business without her👉 Subscribe for more founder stories, real lessons, and honest conversations about growth, family, health, and meaning.Chapters:0:00 – Meet Candy & Her Entrepreneurial Beginning1:00 – Why Founders Become Bottlenecks3:00 – Systems, Delegation & Building a Self-Running Business7:00 – Family, Aging Parents & Designing Work Around Life12:00 – Health, Burnout & Finding Personal Balance20:00 – Candy’s Philosophy on Passion & Her Advice to FoundersLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify & Apple Podcast: https://linktr.ee/afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Charlie ColeLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliecoleEmail: [email protected]: XGen.aiWhat happens when a lifelong e-commerce operator becomes a late-onset entrepreneur right at the moment AI is rewriting the rules of the internet?In this episode, Charlie Cole, CEO of XGen.ai, shares his nonlinear path from math major → realestate.com analyst → Lucky Brand → Toomey → Samsonite → and now running an AI-driven commerce company.Charlie breaks down how generative AI is reshaping personalization, data, search, and productivity and why the next era of commerce will be defined by agentic experiences, not traditional websites.He also opens up about fatherhood, loss, balance, sleep, fitness, and the personal philosophy he uses to decide whether he’s living “a good day.”  🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:• Why “late-onset entrepreneurship” can be a superpower• How he stumbled into e-commerce through pure accident• The real impact of AI on personalization & search (beyond the hype)  • How he teaches his team to embrace AI before it replaces them• What balance actually means and why it’s more internal than external  • His health routine: sleep, volleyball, cooking, travel & energy optimization  • The moment that changed his life at 23 (losing his mother)• Why knowing what you aren’t good at is a founder superpower  👉 Subscribe for more founder stories, honest conversations, and grounded insights on business, family, health, and meaning.Chapters:0:00 – Balance, Purpose & Charlie’s Background1:00 – How Charlie Fell Into E-Commerce by Accident3:00 – The Rise of AI & the Future of Commerce7:00 – Personalization, Data & Responsible AI Use12:00 – Family, Health & Living a Grounded Life20:00 – Defining a “Good Day” & Charlie’s Advice to FoundersLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Steven MuroWebsite: gowithfusion.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-muro-2985413/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gowithfusion/What happens when a long-time corporate marketer walks away from consolidation and layoffs to build something rooted in passion, honesty, and service?In this episode, Steven Muro, Founder & President of Fusion, shares how he left L’Oréal and Procter to create a 27-year marketing agency serving the produce industry—long before research or communications were common in that space.His story is grounded in enthusiasm, integrity, and a genuine desire to help people. From 60-mile cycling rides with his kids to collecting vintage cars and computers, Steven shows what a balanced, purpose-driven life can look like.What you’ll learn:• Passion > profit• How honesty builds lifelong clients• Why paying it forward matters• Health after decades of cycling & plant-based living• His “before your wheels fall off” philosophy on balance👉 Subscribe for more founder stories, real lessons, and honest conversations about growth, family, and meaning.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)0:43 – Steven on honesty, passion & client truth-telling   1:14 – Meet Steven: Founder & President of Fusion1:28 – Leaving L’Oréal & Procter to build his own agency2:25 – How he accidentally became the go-to marketer for produce2:30 – What family means: wife Adelaide, 3 sons, and his “work family”3:17 – Health: genetics, plant-based eating & lifelong cycling5:00 – Fun: vintage cars, vintage computers & old-school tech obsessions7:50 – What balance looks like: work, home, travel, enjoy life now9:24 – Pivotal moment: founding Fusion & meeting his wife Adelaide11:14 – Advice: passion > profit; enthusiasm drives success  12:48 – Where to find Steven (gowithfusion.com)LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Alison Weick•LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aweick/•Instagram: @Alison_Weick•Company: https://www.jewlr.com/What happens when a corporate strategist jumps into early-stage chaos and discovers that passion and ownership matter more than titles?In this episode, Alison Weick, CEO of Jewlr, shares her nonlinear journey — from finance and consulting, to Weight Watchers and Barnes & Noble, to running a public company through Chapter 11, and now leading a full turnaround of a global DTC brand.She opens up about reinventing her career, running a Toronto-based business while living in NYC, raising two boys, staying healthy on the road, and why she believes in blending work and life instead of chasing balance.A must-listen for anyone navigating reinvention, growth-stage leadership, or the messy middle of work + family.What you’ll learn:• Passion > profit• How to transition from corporate to startups• Lessons from Chapter 11• Leading manufacturing for the first time• Her “blend, don’t box” philosophy on balance👉 Subscribe for more founder stories, real lessons, and honest conversations about growth, family, and meaning.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)1:10 – Meet Alison Weick: CEO of Jewlr, DTC personalized jewelry1:43 – From finance → consumer brands → startup operator3:03 – Discovering her passion for consumer psychology & brand3:56 – Early-stage startup lessons: no pens, no process, full chaos5:18 – From CMO to public-company President → Chapter 115:53 – Why she joined Jewlr & leading from New York6:01 – Running manufacturing for the first time (and loving it)6:39 – Family life: two sons, 10 & 12, navigating travel7:18 – What health looks like: Pilates, supplements, sleep8:30 – Fun: NYC restaurants, shows, friends, exploring the city9:13 – Why she rejects traditional “balance”10:30 – Pivotal moment: leaving big company paths for impact11:58 – Advice: don’t start a company for money — solve a problem13:14 – Where to find Alison (LinkedIn + Instagram)LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Robert Heath Sr.•Website: robertheathsr.com•Company: The Legacy Leadership Consulting Group•LinkedIn: [Robert Heath Sr. (007)]What does true leadership look like when everything’s on the line?For Robert Heath Sr., it’s about alignment — helping leaders rediscover who they are, why they lead, and how to bring others into harmony with that purpose.Robert is the Founder of The Legacy Leadership Consulting Group and a former Marine Corps officer, attorney, and educator who has spent his life helping people and organizations reach their highest potential. Drawing from a unique background that includes commanding 380 Marines and sailors, earning a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and leading legal and educational teams, Robert developed his signature “alignment architecture” — a method for helping leaders remove friction and unlock greatness in themselves and their teams.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Robert shares how his experience in the classroom, the courtroom, and the military shaped his approach to leadership, balance, and personal growth — and why awareness, alignment, and integrity are at the heart of every successful organization.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:•Why leadership isn’t about power — it’s about alignment•How to lead effectively under pressure•What the Marine Corps taught him about purpose and humility•How to integrate work, family, and community through harmony•Why great leaders focus on self-awareness before strategy•How to balance ambition and presence as a parent and professional👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life• YouTube:   @AFoundersLife  • LinkedIn • Instagram: @afounderslife• Spotify • Apple Podcast👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Zachary CollinsWebsite: ludus.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharycollins/X (Twitter): [@ZacharyCollins]Zachary is the Co-Founder and CEO of Ludus, a fast-growing software company serving over 4,500 performing arts organizations across the United States. What began as a freshman-year idea to simplify ticketing for schools has evolved into a powerful operating platform for theaters, community centers, and performing arts venues nationwide.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Zachary opens up about building through the pandemic, setting boundaries with family, and why success starts with small, consistent habits. He also shares his philosophy on balance, creativity, and the simple power of getting started.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:How Ludus grew from a college project to 4,500+ clientsThe unexpected size of the performing arts SMB marketHow to set boundaries between business and familyWhy small, consistent health habits drive long-term successHow travel and curiosity can “slow down time”Why entrepreneurs must stop over-validating ideas and start building⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)0:37 – Meet Zachary Collins: Co-Founder & CEO of Ludus1:16 – How a high school theater director sparked a business idea3:10 – Turning a class project into a real company4:30 – Navigating the pandemic and rebuilding the team5:45 – Growing to 4,500+ clients across the U.S.6:50 – Family as motivation — and learning to set boundaries8:00 – Health: consistency, training, and mental balance9:20 – Finding joy in travel, books, and new experiences11:40 – How to “slow down time” through novelty and learning13:05 – Lessons from early coding and entrepreneurship14:35 – Advice to founders: dream big, but start now15:20 – Where to find Zachary (LinkedIn + Twitter/X)👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz, helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life• YouTube:   @AFoundersLife  • LinkedIn • Instagram: @afounderslife• Spotify • Apple Podcast👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Bill CarmodyWebsite: billcarmody.comAskbill Website: https://askbill.us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billcarmody/What does success look like after you’ve built and sold three multimillion-dollar companies?For Bill Carmody, it’s about living abundantly, not just financially, but physically, mentally, and emotionally.In this powerful conversation, Bill shares his journey from humble beginnings and scarcity-driven hustle to achieving financial freedom and traveling the world for a year with his daughter. Along the way, he reveals how focusing on daily habits — meditation, exercise, diet, and sleep — can create an extraordinary life far beyond the business metrics.What you’ll learn in this conversation:How Bill built and exited three multimillion-dollar companiesThe mindset shift from scarcity to abundanceWhy daily habits create lasting successThe connection between sleep, health, and leadershipHow to be fully present in business and family lifeThe most important question every founder should ask: “What is enough?”👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)1:16 – Meet Bill Carmody: entrepreneur, author, and Ironman athlete2:10 – From humble beginnings to digital marketing pioneer3:15 – Building three multimillion-dollar companies4:58 – What financial freedom really means6:12 – Traveling the world with his daughter on a gap year8:02 – The importance of family and being fully present10:15 – Overcoming burnout and suicidal thoughts through transformation12:00 – Dropping 95 pounds and completing two Ironman races13:40 – The power of sleep, meditation, and mental fitness16:20 – Scarcity vs abundance: finding “enough”18:00 – What daily habits compound into an extraordinary life20:45 – Martial arts, flow, and lifelong learning23:50 – Advice for founders: micro-adjustments create major change25:30 – Where to find Bill (billcarmody.com + askbill.us)LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Jim Donnelly•Website: humanauthealth.com•LinkedIn: [Jim’s LinkedIn Profile]Jim Donnelly has spent the last 25 years building, scaling, and selling companies across travel, fitness, and wellness — but his newest venture, Humanaut Health, might be his most meaningful yet.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Jim shares how his father’s lessons on failure, his own near-death accident, and a career in scaling global businesses shaped his outlook on resilience, purpose, and family. With over $17 million raised and 100 locations planned, Humanaut Health is redefining health optimization for a new generation — and Jim’s story reminds us that optimism and perspective might be the greatest entrepreneurial tools of all.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:•How Jim turned his father’s bankruptcies into entrepreneurial drive•The journey from travel tech to Restore Hyper Wellness and Humanaut Health•What he learned from being hit by a drunk driver — and coming back stronger•Why he believes optimism is the key to resilience•How to balance ambition, family, and purpose•His top advice: “A lack of options provides clarity.”👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)0:37 – Meet Jim Donnelly: founder, CEO, father, and serial entrepreneur1:22 – Growing up in an entrepreneurial family with lessons on failure3:15 – From Coca-Cola to Citibank to his first startup exit5:12 – Building Restore Hyper Wellness and the journey to Humanaut Health7:00 – Losing his father, surviving a car crash, and finding his “why”8:10 – How optimism drives resilience and leadership9:30 – Family: being present, values, and fatherhood11:05 – Redefining balance across family, faith, and work13:16 – Why company culture starts with personal priorities16:30 – What health means: function, vitality, and longevity18:40 – Fun: family adventures, mountain biking, travel, and fishing20:45 – Pivotal moments and what the universe teaches you23:40 – Advice to founders: let scarcity drive clarity25:43 – Where to find Jim (humanauthealth.com + LinkedIn)👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Melanie Herschorn • Website: https://yourbigimpactbook.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-herschorn/ • Instagram: @bigimpactbooks• Book: Lasting Legal Impact - https://a.co/d/iaR1kCl• Book: Make a Big Impact with your Book - https://a.co/d/bawqiG1How do you turn failure, burnout, and a bad hire into a brand-new purpose? Melanie Herschorn’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and rediscovering her voice.Melanie is the Founder of Big Impact Books, a boutique publishing and marketing firm that helps professionals, attorneys, and entrepreneurs transform their expertise into bestselling books. From her early career in Hollywood PR to building her own clothing brand and later launching a publishing house, Melanie’s journey is proof that our most painful moments can lead to our most powerful work.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, she shares her journey from being belittled in business to empowering others to share their voices — and how family, health, and creativity keep her grounded.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:•How Melanie transitioned from PR and journalism to entrepreneurship•The story behind founding Big Impact Books•Why every expert should write and own their story•The importance of protecting your confidence as a founder•Finding balance through boundaries and presence•What singing, family, and spirituality taught her about life👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)1:21 – Meet Melanie Herschorn: publisher, author, and founder of Big Impact Books2:19 – From celebrity PR to journalism to entrepreneurship3:55 – Building a clothing brand and overcoming a toxic work experience5:15 – The birth of Big Impact Books: turning expertise into stories6:10 – Family life: lessons from motherhood and her grandmother’s legacy7:28 – Defining health as balance between mind and body8:18 – Fun: singing lessons, self-expression, and joy through creativity9:51 – Setting work-life parameters to protect balance and presence10:50 – Spiritual growth and discovering the “inner entrepreneur”12:47 – Advice to aspiring founders: trust your gut and share your story13:38 – Where to find Melanie (bigimpactbooks.com, LinkedIn, Instagram)LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Natalie Nathanson • Website: magnetudeconsulting.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalienathanson/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/magnetude-consulting/ • Podcast - Shift and Thrive: https://shiftandthrivepodcast.com/What does balance really look like when you’re a founder, parent, and leader in a fast-changing world? For Natalie Nathanson, it’s not about perfection — it’s about intention.Natalie is the Founder & CEO of Magnetude Consulting, a B2B marketing firm helping startups and SMBs scale strategically. She’s also the host of the “Shift and Thrive” podcast, where she interviews leaders on transformation, innovation, and personal growth.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Natalie shares how she built her business after a decade in corporate marketing, her approach to leadership and family, and the mindset that helps her stay grounded through chaos.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation: • How Natalie transitioned from Forrester Research to founding Magnetude Consulting • The challenges and rewards of building a marketing firm from scratch • How she defines balance as a founder, parent, and athlete • Why running, gardening, and creative hobbies fuel her leadership • The lessons she’s learned from her children and team • Her advice for new entrepreneurs: “You only get to be new once.”👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)0:37 – Meet Natalie Nathanson: from Forrester to founder of Magnetude Consulting1:44 – Starting her firm and redefining what marketing looks like for startups3:20 – How B2B marketing has evolved in the age of AI4:25 – Family life: raising two kids and learning from parenthood5:50 – Health: sleep, nutrition, running, and gardening as restoration7:40 – Fun: resin art, biking, and growing vegetables8:46 – Balance: intentional time for what matters most10:03 – Pivotal moment: navigating family illness during the pandemic11:19 – Advice to entrepreneurs: “You only get to be new once.”12:39 – Where to find Natalie (LinkedIn, Magnetude, Shift and Thrive)👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Jeanne Achille•Website: devonpr.com•Website: https://www.jeanneachille.com/•LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanneachille/•Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devongroup/What happens when corporate ceilings stop your growth—but frustration becomes your fuel? For Jeanne Achille, it led to founding The Devon Group, a technology PR and marketing firm that’s been helping global brands launch, scale, and evolve for over 30 years.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Jeanne shares her journey from corporate executive to founder, how she built a people-first company culture, and why balance and awareness are key to sustained success. She also opens up about family, mobility, health, and the lifelong process of checking in with yourself.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:How frustration led Jeanne to entrepreneurshipWhat it takes to build a company that lasts decadesWhy awareness and reflection matter for leadersThe importance of mobility, health, and self-care for longevityHow to balance work, family, and self-awarenessWhy no one succeeds alone — and how to build the right support system👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)1:16 – Meet Jeanne Achille: founder & CEO of The Devon Group2:11 – From recruiter to PR founder: frustration that fueled a 30-year business3:16 – How Devon Group helps clients with launches, rebrands & IPO milestones4:36 – Defining family: three daughters, extended relatives, and “fur babies”7:05 – Health & mobility: yoga, farm-to-table nutrition, and lessons from her nurse mother9:14 – Fun: Broadway, avant-garde theater, and global travel for jazz and art10:05 – Defining balance: awareness, reflection, and daily self-check-ins13:05 – Pivotal moment: starting a business on a Wednesday—and getting 3 clients by Thursday14:11 – Advice for entrepreneurs: don’t do it all yourself; hire key partners early16:06 – Where to find Jeanne (devonpr.com, LinkedIn, and socials)👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – CJ Stasik Website: shehandlesit.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cjstasik_shi/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cjstasik💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjstasik/What happens when success on paper feels like failure in real life? For CJ Stasik, it took burnout, breakdown, and courage to rebuild her life with purpose and alignment.CJ is the founder of She Handles It, an empowerment coaching brand that helps women break free from burnout, people-pleasing, and overwhelm — and reconnect with the version of themselves they truly want to be.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, she shares her raw story of leaving a 13-year corporate career, overcoming guilt and exhaustion, and redefining success through mindset, self-awareness, and intention.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:•How burnout led CJ to build She Handles It•Why mindset is the root cause behind most burnout•How to separate real vs. perceived obstacles•The truth about “balance” — and why integration works better•How family, nature, and daily rituals restored her peace•Why self-care isn’t selfish — it’s essential for leadership and life👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)0:37 – Meet CJ Stasik: founder of She Handles It1:30 – From corporate burnout to starting her own brand3:55 – The breaking point: grocery bags, tears, and a wake-up call5:14 – Family life: marriage, children, and finding her soulmate6:05 – What health means: body, mind, and soul in harmony7:45 – How nature became her emotional reset button9:02 – Fun: hiking, kayaking, and raising farm animals (the “four Gs”)10:44 – Redefining balance as integration, not perfection12:30 – Parenting, presence, and redefining what matters15:08 – The pivotal moment: leaving a 13-year career to pursue coaching18:38 – CJ’s advice: self-care isn’t selfish — it’s how you show up better19:49 – Where to find CJ (shehandlesit.com + socials)👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Haley Hunter•Website: partyland.co•LinkedIn: [Haley’s LinkedIn]•Instagram: [@partyland]How do you build a successful creative agency while raising two kids and finding joy in the chaos? For Haley Hunter, it all started with saying “yes” to opportunities — even when she didn’t feel ready.As the Co-Founder of Partyland, Haley leads an award-winning creative agency specializing in comedy, culture, and big ideas. In this episode of A Founder’s Life, she shares her unconventional path from intern to founder, the lessons she’s learned in leadership and balance, and why loving what you do is the ultimate entrepreneurial advantage.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:•How Haley built Partyland from the ground up•Why passion and purpose matter more than the perfect plan•The value of hiring people smarter than you•How to build a culture that thrives on creativity and comedy•Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship with presence and gratitude•Why trying new things fuels both creativity and well-being👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)0:37 – Meet Haley Hunter: from Colorado to co-founding Partyland1:44 – Early career: internships, leaving and returning to advertising4:00 – Building experience across industries before launching her own agency5:30 – Why she loves working with smarter people and learning through chaos6:00 – Family life: raising two kids in Colorado while running an LA-based agency7:09 – Health: balance through fun, movement, and gratitude9:12 – Work-life balance: being the mom at volleyball practice with her laptop11:31 – Pivotal moments: moving states, getting married, founding her company13:03 – Her advice to entrepreneurs: love what you do and know your purpose14:13 – Where to find Haley and Partyland👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Ted JenkinWebsite: https://www.tedjenkin.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theceoadvisor/Free Business Valuation: www.esladvisors.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealtedjenkinCompany's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exitstageleftadvisors/Ted Jenkin has built and sold three companies — including a $3 billion wealth management firm — and today helps founder-led and family-owned businesses maximize their value while minimizing stress.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Ted opens up about entrepreneurship, family, fasting, and how discipline drives freedom. He shares his journey from financial advisor to serial entrepreneur and CEO, now helping companies sell smarter through Exit Stage Left Advisors.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:How Ted built and sold three companies, including a $3B wealth management firmWhy family and business can thrive togetherThe value of structure and presence in long-term successHow fasting and functional fitness fuel his performanceWhat true work-life balance looks like (and why it’s a “juggle”)His biggest life lesson: turning tragedy into resilience👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)1:30 – Meet Ted Jenkin: serial entrepreneur & CEO of Exit Stage Left Advisors1:50 – Building and selling three companies, including a $3B wealth management firm2:49 – Helping founder-led businesses maximize value and minimize stress3:55 – Family life: 31 years married, three kids working across his companies6:17 – Finding presence through family, routines, and intentional structure7:40 – Health transformation: fasting, red light therapy, and holistic wellness9:57 – ProLon fasting routine and quarterly reset strategy12:39 – What fun and reading look like for Ted (nonfiction, travel, pickleball)13:28 – Redefining balance: being LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Joan GarryWebsite: joangarry.comPodcast: https://joangarry.com/nonprofits-are-messy-podcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joangarry/From MTV to the fight for marriage equality, Joan Garry has spent her life building communities and organizations that make the world more fair, just, and beautiful.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Joan shares her journey from the early days of MTV to leading GLAAD, founding the Nonprofit Leadership Lab, and coaching thousands of nonprofit leaders around the world. She opens up about family, health, longevity, and what it means to live with clarity, conviction, and joy.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:How Joan transitioned from entertainment to advocacy and leadershipWhy clarity of vision is the foundation of any lasting organizationThe parallels between startups and nonprofitsHow she redefined family and became the first legal same-sex adoptive parent in New JerseyThe importance of longevity, structure, and keeping your mind activeWhy diverse teams and honest voices make founders stronger👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)1:08 – Meet Joan Garry: from MTV to nonprofit leadership2:12 – How entrepreneurship and activism intertwine3:52 – Defining family and the journey to parenthood5:37 – Health, longevity, and finding balance through structure9:03 – Piano, pickleball, and finding joy outside of work10:20 – Pivotal moments: meeting her wife, advocacy, and legal adoption milestone12:47 – Advice to entrepreneurs: clarity of vision + diverse voices14:17 – Where to find Joan (joangarry.com + podcast + blog)👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life• YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Sean ShanksWebsite: moneywisepayroll.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-shanks/What does it look like to take over a business you didn’t start — and make it your own? For Sean Shanks, it meant stepping into leadership at just 26 years old, learning through failure, and rebuilding a company from within.Sean is the President and CEO of MoneyWise Payroll, a Virginia-based company that now serves 450 small and medium-sized businesses across 39 states. In this episode, he opens up about his unexpected path to entrepreneurship, overcoming addiction, and how coaching, structure, and humility helped him become a stronger leader, father, and person.👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)0:38 – Meet Sean Shanks: President & CEO of MoneyWise Payroll1:27 – From paper routes to payroll: early lessons in hustle3:10 – Becoming CEO at 26 without formal business training4:35 – Losing the company’s founder & buying the business from his family6:00 – 24 years at MoneyWise: turning a legacy into his own6:43 – Family life: marriage, raising three kids, and teaching ROI-based decisions9:29 – Sobriety and the health habits that saved his life11:50 – Why personal health is the single biggest business risk13:10 – Training for triathlons & tracking recovery data14:30 – Defining balance: structure, scheduling, and family time18:15 – Pivotal moment: choosing sobriety & discovering the power of coaching21:42 – Advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: find peers and ask for help23:30 – How self-improvement parallels leadership at home and work24:43 – Where to find Sean (MoneyWise Payroll, LinkedIn)👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Melissa Washington• Website: womenveteransalliance.org• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/washingtonmelissa/• Instagram: [@womenveteransalliance]What happens when a Navy veteran, laid off during the 2009 recession, decides to create her own opportunities? For Melissa Washington, it led to teaching LinkedIn workshops at her dining room table, joining LinkedIn itself, and ultimately founding the Women Veterans Alliance — now a global organization serving women across the world.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Melissa shares her journey from military service to corporate HR, to entrepreneurship and nonprofit leadership. She opens up about family, faith, balance, and why her favorite advice is simple: you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:•How Melissa turned a layoff into a launchpad for entrepreneurship•What she learned working inside LinkedIn during its growth years•Why she created Women Veterans Alliance — and how it’s grown globally•The role of family and faith in her entrepreneurial journey•How she defines health as holistic: physical, mental, financial, and business•Why balance means taking charge of your calendar and building discipline•The power of asking: overcoming imposter syndrome to seize opportunity👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)0:32 – Meet Melissa Washington: Navy veteran, entrepreneur, founder1:08 – From Navy to HR to layoff in 20091:52 – Teaching LinkedIn workshops at her dining room table2:40 – Hired at LinkedIn → global travel and opportunities3:25 – Launching Women Veterans Alliance in 20154:19 – Family: 31-year marriage, raising a daughter, support system5:00 – Defining health beyond medicine: financial, business, physical, mental6:07 – Fitness routines, nutrition challenges, and faith as mental health6:56 – Fun: travel, cruises, and family genealogy projects7:59 – Defining balance: taking Fridays off, owning her calendar8:30 – Pivotal moment: adopting her daughter through foster care9:06 – Advice to entrepreneurs: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”10:06 – Where to find Melissa (Women Veterans ALinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Jose Nava • Website: https://leviebranding.com/ • Instagram: [@leviebranding] • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josenava/ • Personal Handle: [@futuristhuman]What happens when an architect stumbles into branding by accident — and builds a global agency out of it? For Jose Nava, it led to the creation of Levie Branding, a design and branding firm with offices in Miami and Atlanta and a team working worldwide.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Jose shares how he and his wife co-founded Levie, the pivotal role family and vision have played in their journey, and why he believes clarity of vision — paired with faith — is the ultimate entrepreneurial advantage.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation: • How Jose transitioned from architecture to branding and design • The story of building Levie with his wife as co-founder and partner • Why family, faith, and vision are central to his life and business • The global projects Levie has led — from F1 Miami to Boeing • How he balances health, fun, and business as a founder and parent • Why developing a clear vision is his top advice for entrepreneurs👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)0:32 – Meet Jose Nava: architect turned branding founder1:52 – Starting Levie Branding with his wife4:40 – From Miami roots to global clients (Boeing, F1 Miami, Brookfield)6:11 – What family means to Jose7:44 – Health practices: sprints, jump rope, calisthenics, fasting13:30 – Fun: family time, walks in nature, travel, restaurants16:53 – Defining a balanced life: 2 out of 3 rule (family, health, business)18:42 – Pivotal moment: moving from Mexico to the U.S. + meeting his wife21:30 – Advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: develop a clear vision and trust the process23:12 – Where to find Jose (Levie Branding, socials)👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Mac Frederick • Website: https://www.needmomentum.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macfrederick/ • Instagram: [@macfrederick]What happens when Google fires you for building a side hustle? For Mac Frederick, it was the push that launched him into full-time entrepreneurship.Mac is the founder of Momentum Digital, a Philadelphia-based digital agency he’s grown over the past 10 years. In this episode, he shares the highs and lows of agency life, why family is everything in business, and the role health and balance play in surviving as a founder.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:•How getting fired from Google led to Momentum Digital•The realities of building an agency from scratch•Why health and fitness are crucial for mental clarity as an entrepreneur•How balance shifts across different stages of the founder journey•Why not everyone is meant to be an entrepreneur (and how to know if you are)•Mac’s advice: understanding yourself before building your business👉 Subscribe now for more raw founder stories, lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)0:38 – Meet Mac Frederick: from rural PA to Google to founder1:21 – How getting fired pushed him to start Momentum Digital3:17 – Family and choosing the right business partners4:48 – Health, sports, and the role of fitness in mental clarity6:13 – Fun: travel, sports, golf, and exploring the world7:08 – Redefining balance as career evolves8:46 – The harsh realities of entrepreneurship vs. 9–5 jobs10:13 – Advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: understand yourself first11:56 – Where to find Mac👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life • YouTube:   @AFoundersLife   • LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/ • Instagram: @afounderslife  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Dusty Holcomb• Website: https://arcqusgroup.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustyholcomb/ • Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ZyQtk0CvmpZX7cVNeHQhz?si=c58c51c90bcb453aWhat happens when a seasoned CEO leaves the corporate world to build something new? For Dusty Holcomb, it meant rediscovering leadership as service and learning to distill what matters most in business and life.In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Dusty shares how being homeschooled shaped his curiosity, why presence is the secret ingredient to great leadership and family life, and how he transitioned from scaling large organizations to founding his own firm, Arcus Group.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:•Why leadership is really about empowering others•How to shift from corporate intrapreneur to true entrepreneur•The role of mentors, family, and small moments in shaping leaders•Why health and daily practices (sleep, movement, meditation) matter most•How to embrace balance as tension, not perfection•Dusty’s advice to aspiring founders: distill and focus on the next step👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)0:30 – Dusty introduces himself: “recovering leader”1:10 – From homeschooling to psychology and leadership3:22 – Becoming an entrepreneur after 28 years in corporate leadership3:25 – Family life with wife Tara and 3 kids4:28 – Small moments with kids and lessons from the gym6:34 – Health practices: sleep, movement, routines, meditation8:39 – Fun: outdoors, boating, hiking, history reading10:12 – Presence and optimism as a way of life13:04 – No-asshole rule in business and life15:44 – Balance as tension and intentional focus18:43 – Meditation as a circuit breaker19:11 – Pivotal moment: overcoming doubt and proving resilience21:11 – Advice to entrepreneurs: distill and focus relentlessly22:25 – Where to find Dusty (Arcus Group, LinkedIn, podcast)👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life•YouTube:   @AFoundersLife  •LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/•Instagram: @afounderslife •Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248ba•Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Daniel Saks•Website: https://www.landbase.com/•LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielsaks/•Company's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/landbase/⸻What do you do when your 100-year-old family business shuts down at the height of the Great Recession? For Daniel Saks, it was the spark to build a new generation of digital entrepreneurship.Daniel is the co-founder of AppDirect, a global SaaS platform now approaching a $1B revenue run rate, and the founder of Landbase, an AI-driven go-to-market company recently backed by Ashton Kutcher’s Sound Ventures in a $30M Series A.🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn:•How Daniel went from Niagara Falls furniture store to Silicon Valley tech leader•Lessons from scaling AppDirect to 1,200+ employees serving millions worldwide•Why he started Landbase to tackle the biggest founder pain point: growth•How family remains central while raising two young kids•The balance frameworks that keep him healthy and grounded•Why conviction in your vision is the ultimate founder advantage👉 Subscribe now for more raw founder stories, lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)0:34 – From family furniture store to founding AppDirect1:44 – Scaling AppDirect to a billion-dollar run rate2:00 – Founding Landbase: AI-driven go-to-market2:56 – Family life and raising young kids3:27 – Health: from burnout to balance frameworks6:31 – Fun through travel, nature, and music7:39 – Pivotal decision: taking the leap into entrepreneurship9:36 – Advice: conviction in your vision above all else10:46 – How to connect with Daniel👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s LifeYouTube:   @AFoundersLife  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/Instagram: @afounderslife Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70mfiPVuefpTnQHskflEqc?si=d8f658731c9248baApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-founders-life/id1780849489👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – David MinkWebsite: [AvalancheMedia.com]LinkedIn: [David’s LinkedIn]What do custom mattresses, thyroid cancer, and a 50-person marketing agency have in common? 💡In this episode of A Founder’s Life, David Mink, CEO of Avalanche Media, shares his incredible journey from building one of the first custom mattress e-commerce businesses to scaling a thriving digital marketing agency — all while raising six kids and overcoming a serious health scare.What you’ll learn in this conversation:How David went from hotline operator → mattress startup → agency founderWhy family is the engine that drives his entrepreneurial journeyLessons from scaling Avalanche Media into a 50-person teamHow a cancer diagnosis reshaped his approach to health and disciplineThe four-part formula he uses to define true balance (physical, mental, social, spiritual)Why becoming a pattern recognizer is the ultimate entrepreneurial skill👉 Subscribe now for more raw founder stories, lessons, and inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)0:35 – Meet David Mink, CEO of Avalanche Media2:11 – From hotline operator to custom mattress startup5:34 – Growing Avalanche Media into a 50-person agency5:42 – Family as the engine and the “why”9:00 – Health scare: thyroid cancer & transformation13:24 – Leading by example for his kids16:07 – Fun: skiing, boating, mountain biking, fly fishing17:05 – Defining balance: physical, mental, social, spiritual18:50 – Pivotal advice from a “successful uncle”21:43 – David’s advice: become a great pattern recognizer22:52 – Where to find David👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s LifeYouTube: [Your Channel Link]LinkedIn: [Your LinkedIn Page]Instagram: [Your Instagram Handle]Newsletter: [Your Signup Link]👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Mike JermanWebsite: https://numerafinance.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikejerman/What makes someone leave a stable career at PwC to take the terrifying leap into entrepreneurship? 💡In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Mike Jerman shares his journey from Air Force captain to PwC director to founder of Hollywell Partners — and why family was the driving force behind it all.What you’ll learn in this conversation:Why Mike left PwC to start his own firmHow Hollywell Partners grew to 40+ people before acquisitionThe importance of family as the “core,” not just a priorityWhy health must be a non-negotiable for entrepreneursPivotal moments that shaped Mike’s perspective on life and workHis advice for aspiring and current entrepreneurs on going all in👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and practical wisdom.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)0:34 – Mike introduces himself: Air Force → PwC → Hollywell Partners1:17 – Why leaving PwC was so terrifying3:51 – Pivoting Hollywell to meet client needs5:03 – Family as the well that refills you6:21 – Health as a non-negotiable discipline6:38 – Fun: soccer, Liverpool, books, and home life8:08 – Balance: the “three circles” of family, friends, and work11:09 – Pivotal moments: London train epiphany & selling his firm13:37 – Advice for aspiring vs. current entrepreneurs16:20 – Where to find Mike👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

Season 3 of A Founder’s Life was full of real moments—vulnerable stories, practical wisdom, and a reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a business… it’s about building a life.In this special recap, I’ve pulled together some of my favorite reflections from our guests on:• Curiosity and the courage to start• Redefining what balance really means• Letting go of control and trusting your team• Owning your time—and your calendar• Playing the long game and being ready to pivotIf you missed any episodes, now’s the time to catch up.🎧 Season 3 Recap now live on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.#founderslife #entrepreneurship #leadership #worklifebalance #personalgrowth #seasonrecapLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1

This episode of A Founder’s Life is brought to you by Thankz — helping founders scale with reliable remote talent. Get $1,000 off your first month by emailing [email protected] with the subject line Founder’s Life.🌐 Follow A Founder’s Life•YouTube:  ⁨@AFoundersLife⁩  •LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-founder-s-life-podcast/•Instagram: @afounderslife👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Fletcher Wilson•Company's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/throne-labs/•Website: https://thronelabs.co/•LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fletcher-wilson-a216a16/•Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thronebathrooms/How do you build a company around the problems no one else wants to touch? 🛠️In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Fletcher Wilson, co-founder and CEO of Throne Labs, shares his journey from building medical devices to reinventing public bathroom infrastructure — and why tackling “unsexy” problems can unlock massive impact.🔥 What you’ll learn in this conversation:Why starting with need-finding creates lasting businessesLessons from building both a medical device company and Throne LabsHow Throne is solving the public bathroom crisis across U.S. citiesThe role of family and balance in a founder’s chaotic lifeWhy young entrepreneurs should seek failure points, not just solutionsHow older founders can succeed by delegating and trusting their teams👉 Subscribe now for more founder stories, raw lessons, and practical wisdom.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro & sponsor (Thankz)0:33 – Fletcher introduces himself & Throne Labs2:00 – From Stanford Biodesign to need-finding lessons5:03 – Reinventing public bathroom infrastructure6:17 – How Throne works: modular, clean, and city-ready8:00 – Safety, security & user accountability model11:47 – Family life with four young kids12:20 – Health, exercise, and nightly runs13:19 – Fun through competition: pickleball, bowling, poker14:27 – Defining balance: efficiency + family-first18:15 – Pivotal moment: becoming a father of three20:06 – Advice for young vs. older entrepreneurs23:12 – How to connect with Fletcher & Throne👉 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe & join our community of founders redefining success.LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/leogestetnerWebsiteleogestetner.com/leoSubscribe Now!youtube.com/@afounderslife?sub_confirmation=1