Biz Builder Spotlight

Daniel Wilson, CTO of Cyber Intel Training and founder of Info Science AI, unpacks how businesses can implement AI safely and dives deep into the magic behind ChatGPT.Daniel shares:✅ Why “AI sovereignty” matters and how countries like France and Malaysia are navigating security standards✅ The biggest cybersecurity risks companies face when using tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, or SharePoint integrations✅ Practical steps for building secure, on-premise or hybrid AI systems (including how tools like Prompt Guard and open-source models fit in)✅ What he figured out about how ChatGPT works behind the scenesIf you’ve ever wondered how to protect your data, your clients, and your business while still leveraging the power of AI, this episode offers clear, actionable insights from someone on the front lines of AI and cybersecurity innovation.

Yashar Ahmadpour heads Impressive (formerly Notora AI), a fast-emerging software company that’s redefining how teams collaborate by turning meeting insights into action through intelligent AI agents.Drawing from decades of entrepreneurial experience, Yashar shares what it takes to build a successful AI SaaS venture, from idea validation to enterprise readiness and long-term scalability.We cover:✅ How to find true product-market fit before you build✅ When to keep your day job and when it’s time to raise capital✅ Why “middleware” AI may be the bridge to the AGI future✅ How Impressive marketplace lets creators build and sell their own AI agentsWhether you’re an early-stage founder, investor, or AI enthusiast, this episode offers a clear roadmap for planning, executing, and scaling in the new era of intelligent software.#AISaaS #StartupGrowth #Entrepreneurship #BizBuilderSpotlight #ArtificialIntelligence

Jacob Pierce, founder of Vortex Computation, describes how his custom software shop evolved into a tech-driven marketing agency. Jacob shares practical lessons and surprising strategies, including:✅ Why most businesses fail at the “second conversion” and how to fix it✅ How AI tools—from chatbots to prompt-engineering hacks—are reshaping marketing efficiency✅ The unconventional way his agency finds serious clients through CraigslistIf you’re curious about blending software, marketing, and AI—or just want a fresh perspective on lead generation—this episode will open your eyes.

Adam Latts, founder of Live Larj Coaching & Consulting, goes through how leaders and organizations can unlock breakthrough performance.Adam shares:✅ Why effective leadership coaching starts with turning “soft skills” into measurable, actionable behaviors✅ How Story Pathing helps leaders build authentic narratives that connect, inspire, and drive trust✅ His STARS model for transforming sales organizations—reducing turnover, aligning teams, and enabling sustainable growthIf you’re interested in leadership development, organizational performance, or practical strategies to elevate your team, this conversation is full of insights you can apply right away.

Today we sit down with Gina R. Smith, peak performance coach and former sales leader, to explore how high achievers can reset their relationship with work and find lasting success without burning out.We cover:✅ Why reclaiming your calendar is the first step to reducing stress and regaining control✅ How mindset shifts and boundaries can restore balance without sacrificing achievement✅ Why speaking to pre-assembled groups is a powerful growth strategy for entrepreneurs and coachesWhether you’re feeling overwhelmed by endless demands or looking for smarter ways to grow your business, this conversation offers practical tools and fresh perspective.

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Whitehead, founder of 5th Hammer Innovation, to explore how organizations can move beyond rigid conformity and rediscover creativity as a strategic advantage.Steve shares:✅ How to break out of the "Busy Beta" mindset and create space for meaningful innovation✅ Practical tools like Rose-Bud-Thorn and Lego Serious Play for team alignment and creative problem-solving✅ Why leadership today means holding space, not filling it, with frameworks that foster reflection, feedback, and risk-takingWhether you're rethinking strategy, meetings, or your leadership style, this conversation offers a fresh lens on change, creativity, and what it takes to build a forward-thinking culture.

Careyann Golliver—founder of franchise consultancy FranchiseLogic and former franchisor behind the multimillion-dollar brand now known as Ace Handyman Services—shares how she helps professionals transition from corporate careers into business ownership by matching them with the right franchise opportunities.We cover:✅ Why buying a franchise isn’t just about food chains (and what most people get wrong)✅ How to match your skill set, lifestyle goals, and budget to the right franchise model✅ The financial and emotional upside of escaping the corporate “dragnet”Whether you're burned out from the 9-to-5 grind or just curious about franchise ownership as a path to freedom, this conversation is packed with real talk, expert insights, and inspiring success stories.

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Kinning—fractional sales leader, trainer, and owner of Sales Geek Denver/Northeast—to explore what it takes to grow a high-performing sales team without burning out the founder.Ben shares:✅ How to build and train a sales team that can scale without losing your voice or values✅ 70% of salespeople—and over 90% of business owners—have never received formal sales training✅ The expensive mistake businesses make by investing in marketing without matching it with sales infrastructureIf you’re a founder juggling sales yourself—or a growing company ready to add effective salespeople—this conversation is packed with wisdom, real-life stories, and low-risk strategies for doing it right.

In this episode, we sit down with Karl Walinskas, founder and CEO of FedTrax, to provide insight on how small and midsize tech companies can win federal contracts—even without prior government experience. Karl shares his practical, no-fluff approach to business development in the public sector, built on years of helping firms break into elusive government markets in the USA.We cover:✅ Why the best opportunities aren’t listed on public sites like SAM.gov✅ How to stand out in a crowded space where “everyone has AI”✅ What small companies must understand about timelines, teaming, and setting expectationsIf you're curious about selling technology to the federal government, this episode is a roadmap to doing it right—with fewer dead ends and better results.

In this episode, we sit down with Nathaniel Smathers, VP of Marketing at Data Matrix Medical, to explore how a team of one can drive big results by staying focused, process-driven, and strategic with content.We cover:✅ Why fewer, higher-quality content pieces are now outperforming volume-based strategies in the AI-driven SEO landscape✅ How Nathaniel uses AI agents to streamline content workflows and operate as a team of one✅ The mindset shift from agency life to in-house leadership—and why it led to 380% revenue growthWhether you're running lean or managing scale challenges, Nathaniel shares practical lessons for marketers navigating today’s fast-moving digital world.

In this episode, we sit down with Adam Birnbaum, founder of Clearpath Group, a leadership development firm, to explore how high-performing leaders can grow through thoughtful coaching, mindset shifts, and smart use of AI.We cover:✅ The surprising power of the “inner critic” framework and how it helps leaders perform better✅ How executive coaching differs from therapy—and why it’s often the missing piece for growth-stage leaders✅ Why now is the time for executives to deeply engage with AI tools—and how to lead in an AI-assisted futureIf you’re a founder, C-suite leader, or simply navigating a leadership role in a changing world, this conversation will leave you with practical insights and fresh perspective.

In this episode, Daniel Theobald, founder of MassRobotics, Vecna Robotics, Mekable and other ventures, lays out what really drives startup success.Daniel shares sharp, experience-based insights, including:✅ Why bootstrapping generally leads to better founder outcomes than venture capital✅ How early-stage entrepreneurs can avoid common traps and get on the right path to profitable growth✅ Why aligning your passion with the problem you're solving unlocks innovation and resilienceIf you're navigating the startup world or thinking about how to fund and grow your company, this conversation is packed with wisdom you won’t hear from your average business playbook.

In this episode, we sit down with Baris Guler, High Performance Computing (HPC) Practice Manager at Clovertex and co-founder of Green Sprout Hub, for a unique look at how artificial intelligence is reshaping both biotech and the future of work.We explore:✅ How AI is accelerating drug discovery by powering custom-built HPC environments for biotech and pharma✅ Why AI poses both opportunity and risk for jobs—and what must be done now to prepare✅ How Green Sprout Hub blends coworking, sustainability, and community to help people thrive in an AI-driven futureWhether you're building next-gen tech or wondering how to stay relevant in a changing world, this conversation offers insight and inspiration from both the lab and the garden.

In this episode, we sit down with Erin Harrigan, faith-based business coach and author of Pursuing Success God’s Way, to explore how high-achieving women can thrive in business without compromising their faith and happiness.Erin shares:✅ Her closed-loop system for navigating faith-led success: Define, Direct, Discipline, Develop✅ How her Rooted coaching group creates deep connection and faith-centered accountability✅ Why boldly showing up to serve others is a calling—not just a strategyIf you're a purpose-driven entrepreneur ready to ditch hustle culture and lead with faith, this episode will inspire you to realign your business with a higher mission.Learn more at erinharrigan.com.

In this episode, we sit down with Tiffany Odutoye, founder and CEO of Virtual Partner LLC, to explore how workplaces can be rehumanized through principled leadership, inclusive collaboration, and proactive talent development. Tiffany shares why traditional DEI efforts fall short, how her firm uncovers unseen organizational challenges, and the powerful mission behind How She Rises—a global podcast and research initiative aimed at shortening the leadership runway for women.We cover:✅ Why empathy, trust, and adaptive leadership are the new workplace currency✅ What most organizations overlook when preparing for a generational talent exodus✅ How to create real change for women in leadership—without excluding men from the conversationLearn more and take the survey at howsherises.org

In this episode, Aamir Siddiqui, co-founder and CEO of orangepro.ai, shares how his team is transforming software testing using agentic AI. With experience at Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Oracle, Aamir brings deep insight into the future of software development, the limitations of current SaaS quality assurance tools, and the promise of new AI-native platforms.We dive into:✅ Where entrepreneurs can find the biggest opportunities for developing disruptive AI applications✅ Why current software testing tools are outdated and how the future is about AI driven user testing end to end✅ How agentic AI and small, vertically-trained models are quietly outperforming massive LLMsIf you're interested in AI, software quality, or disrupting an industry with AI-driven software, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, we sit down with Clarence Bongalos, founder and CEO of The Maur Company, to unpack why misalignment between leadership, marketing, and strategy is the root cause of stagnation in many businesses—and what to do about it.Clarence shares:✅ How his “outsider advantage” helps uncover hidden problems in small to mid-size companies✅ Why alignment—not just KPIs—is the real driver of growth and people performance✅ How he's using content marketing and tailored outreach to grow a purpose-driven consulting firmWhether you're leading a team or building a company from scratch, this conversation offers fresh perspective on solving people problems, creating clarity, and building sustainable momentum.

In this episode, John Goddard, founder and CEO of Goddard Strategies, explains how he's helping healthcare providers and service businesses streamline operations with cutting-edge AI voice and training solutions.We cover: ✅ How his HIPAA-compliant AI voice assistant "Grace" slashes no-show rates and handles patient appointment reminder calls at scale✅ Why John’s team built a smart internal chat system to replace traditional training for new hires✅ How B2B networking has fueled Goddard Strategies' growthIf you want to save money and time using AI automation in your business, or you're looking for ways to find clients for your professional service business, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.

Nick Gonzales, VP of Marketing at Pop-A-Shot, shares how he's helping grow the iconic arcade basketball brand with just a small in-house team and a customer-centric strategy.In this episode, we cover:✅ How Nick identifies where to focus marketing efforts with limited resources✅ His processes for growing a brand having both consumers and businesses as customers✅ How he uses AI as a creative collaborator — including social media for a puppet mascot Listen to this episode if you want to hear how a lean team can manage a multi-channel marketing strategy and get a peek behind the curtain of an iconic brand's marketing process.

Fernando Leon, VP of Sales & Marketing at Single Point of Contact and founder of MSP Corner, joins us to share what IT service firms and any niche B2B service company needs to do today to win business and grow.In this episode, Fernando breaks down:✅ Why many small MSPs fail to sell value and struggle because of it✅ The content mindset that made his company rank #1 in Google for key search queries✅ Why MSP Corner is currently giving away its tools, templates, and processes — a goldmine for IT companiesIf you’re running an MSP, IT consulting firm, or just want a clear breakdown of how to build a niche, client-winning sales process, this episode is a river of gold nuggets.

Nate Burke, Chief Marketing Officer of startup 7AI, shares how his small team is pioneering the first Agentic AI Security Platform in cybersecurity.In this episode we go over:✅ Why startups must focus on their positioning before scaling demand gen✅ How AI agents can handle sensitive tasks without the "black box" risk✅ The power of emotional storytelling in branding, from Olympians to viral campaignsWhether you’re leading a startup or want to know about the next big thing in cybersecurity, this episode offers nuggets on building trust, cutting through noise, and getting scrappy with strategy.

Emod Vafa, Marketing Director at Intercap, a Canadian venture capital firm, reveals how he built an in-house marketing team from scratch to support a selection of Intercap’s portfolio companies.He shares:✅ How he uses lean teams with deep specialization for scaling omnichannel campaigns✅ How he uses UTMs and platforms like Microsoft Clarity and Mixpanel to track the customer journey✅ Ways to future-proof your marketing operations✅ The importance of staying in-tune with AI trendsFrom campaign strategy to building internal systems, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone managing marketing across multiple brands or ventures.

Today we sit down with Paulette Rigo, founder of Better Divorce Academy, bestselling author, and host of The Better Divorce Podcast. Paulette shares how her grueling 8.5 year legal battle became the catalyst for a high-impact business that’s helping people navigate divorce better.In this episode, we look at how she created her success:✅ How publicity from her own divorce created early demand✅ The intelligent branding of “Better Divorce Academy”✅ What content she creates to attract and educate clients✅ How she balances coaching, mediation, and product development✅ Why much of her new business comes from referrals✅ Her future plans for online courses, licensing, and possible franchisingIf you’re interested in how expert positioning, personal branding, and scalable service models come together to build a thriving consulting business—this episode is a masterclass.

In this episode we sit down with Michael Baer, a seasoned fractional CMO who’s worked with both Fortune 500 companies and early-stage enterprises.Michael shares how his unique concept of "stratecution" — a holistic approach to marketing that aligns big brand strategy with effective, powerful activation and execution to stimulate growth.You'll hear how he helped drive growth early on for My Diabetes Tutor, why customer-centricity forms the core of all his marketing, and how website design and messaging can make a small company look enterprise-ready.Whether you're scaling a startup or refining your marketing engine, Michael’s insights will help you rethink how to go to market with clarity, credibility, and confidence.

Melih Oztalay, founder and CEO of Smart Finds Marketing, talks about navigating disruption in marketing technology and tactics for success in B2B marketing. With nearly four decades of experience, Melih shares battle-tested strategies — from guiding companies through Google algorithm shocks to deploying AI-powered orchestrated funnels.He unpacks powerful case studies, including how his team drove 600k new site visitors in 3 months using geo-distributed freelancers and organic social content. Plus, discover how SEO is being affected by Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), and why younger generations are reshaping the B2B buyer’s journey.Whether you're a CMO, business owner, or consultant, this episode is packed with fresh marketing insights on adapting, evolving, and staying relevant in the fast-paced world of today.

Seasoned marketing executive Chris McNulty, formerly of Microsoft and Dell, walks us through how his new consulting venture, Synozur Alliance, leads strategic transformation at companies doing $50 to $500 million in revenue, especially those at zero growth or those going through massive growth. Gain fascinating insights on how leadership, structure, and culture must evolve to effect change.Then get a current viewpoint on AI implementation, including the 3 trends in AI impacting implementation in 2025, namely: organizations paying more attention to data security, Omni AI, and managing variability in people's interaction with AI.Plus, Chris talks about his upcoming conference keynotes, including a workshop on information architecture for AI and another on using AI and using intelligent document processing.This episode is packed with real-world examples and sharp takeaways—don’t miss it!

Join us as we dive into a fascinating conversation with Sam Pepin, CEO and co-founder of CoreCentrica, a marketing agency, as he shares his thoughts on marketing, diplomacy, commodities trading and AI innovation. Sam discusses his "Meaningful Marketing" framework, a methodology blending neuroscience with data analytics to better understand consumer motivations. Discover how he's facilitating ingestion of big data through AI innovation, with application in industries like fintech and beyond.Outside of business, Sam's passion extends into global diplomacy, connecting organizations worldwide to foster peace and understanding amidst societal division. He shares personal insights on peak performance, balancing multiple businesses, and the vital role happiness plays in achieving success.This episode is packed with wisdom for entrepreneurs, marketers, tech enthusiasts, and anyone inspired by bold ideas and meaningful change.

In today's episode we talk with Melanie Lobue, fractional Chief Marketing Officer and founder of Voyager Communications, about the tactical use of direct mail, using AI effectively in marketing, and the secrets behind impactful B2B campaigns.Melanie shares how she transitioned from high school English teacher to top-performing marketing executive, leveraging storytelling, clear KPIs, and strategic execution to deliver measurable results for high-growth tech and financial companies.Listen in to discover Melanie’s proven approach for creating targeted account-based marketing (ABM) campaigns, tips for refining brand messaging, and actionable advice on setting your business up for sustainable growth.Perfect for entrepreneurs, marketing leaders, and anyone looking to elevate their business through smart, scalable marketing.

Today we sit down with Ron Gerber, founder and CEO of Angelbeat, a well-known organizer of technology-focused hybrid live events with keynotes by such companies as AWS, Microsoft, and Google. Ron shares his expert insights on the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, covering issues such as vendor lock-in risks, ROI after investing in AI, and the societal implications of deep fakes and misinformation.Tune in as Ron discusses the practical challenges businesses face adopting AI, how companies are successfully integrating AI, and actionable strategies for thriving amid technological disruption. Ideal for tech leaders, business strategists, and anyone seeking clarity on managing AI in their business.

In this episode of Biz Builder Spotlight, we sit down with Oliver JP Osborne, Director of Marketing at Fallsview Group, the premier hospitality and tourism brand in the Niagara Falls area. Oliver shares valuable insights into his strategic approach to managing a diverse portfolio of luxury hotels, renowned restaurants, and event spaces.Tune in as Oliver explains why businesses often misinterpret ROI and reveals smart ways of measuring marketing success. Discover his fresh perspective on brand positioning, leveraging market intelligence, and creating irresistible customer experiences without diluting value through discounts. He also highlights the unique challenges and opportunities in attracting international guests to a globally recognized destination like Niagara Falls.Whether you're interested in hospitality marketing, customer experience innovation, or strategic growth, this conversation offers practical wisdom and actionable advice from a seasoned industry leader.Connect with Oliver JP Osborne on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and explore career opportunities with Fallsview Group.Don't miss this insightful and motivating discussion!

In this episode of Biz Builder Spotlight, we sit down with Bethany Jeanfreau, a fractional CMO with a unique background in entrepreneurship, marketing, and global business. From running her family's custom retro viewer manufacturing company to launching a fitness coaching business in Shanghai, Bethany shares her journey of innovation, leadership, and strategic growth.We dive into:✅ How she built a marketing department from scratch and fueled record-breaking growth.✅ The challenges of launching a fractional CMO practice and building a client pipeline.✅ Her experiences in international business, from Shanghai to Lisbon.✅ Why LinkedIn has become her #1 lead generation tool.✅ The power of AI in content creation and marketing.Bethany also gives insights into the CMOx Accelerator and why she recommends accelerators for entrepreneurs looking to scale faster.🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation on marketing and entrepreneurship!📌 Connect with Bethany: www.redrhinoexec.com📌 Follow us for more interviews with business leaders and marketing innovators.

In this episode of Biz Builder Spotlight, I sit down with Felicia McCoy, the energetic leader behind BG Promotions. With 25 years in marketing, Felicia has mastered the art of scaling businesses—both her own and those of her clients. From knocking on doors to running high-performing digital ad campaigns, she shares how she’s helping startups and established brands alike with content creation, video marketing, and promotion.We dive into:How she built a thriving agency by focusing on relationships and hands-on marketingThe biggest mistakes business owners make when starting out (and how to fix them)The challenge of finding the right clients and scaling the right wayWhy she’s passionate about teaching and empowering future entrepreneursWhether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a business owner looking to level up, this episode is packed with insights and energy you won’t want to miss. Tune in now and get ready to be inspired!

In this episode of Biz Builder Spotlight, we sit down with Karen Steele, a seasoned marketing executive with a deep background in tech, SaaS, and data-driven marketing. Karen shares her journey from working with major tech brands like Apple and Marketo to branching out into new industries like retail and restaurants.We discuss:Why the tech landscape is shifting and how companies are consolidating their software solutionsHow retailers and restaurants can leverage data and location insights to drive foot trafficThe role of AI in marketing—hype vs. reality, and how to use it effectivelyThe power of community in building brand loyalty and driving salesKaren’s marketing consultancy, Steele Alloy, and the types of businesses she’s looking to partner withIf you're interested in marketing strategy, revenue growth, and industry shifts, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!To connect with Karen Steele, visit Steele Alloy at SteeleAlloy.comTune in now and discover the marketing strategies that work across industries!

Tycho explains how he helps busy professionals plow through mental obstacles, guiding them to hit and maintain their physical fitness goals. He calls it driving people to reach their potential and most people give up or fail with their weight loss and fitness aspirations because they don't have the mental pieces in place.So he starts with a mind-body assessment and then each workout is preceded by 30 minutes of mind work and then one hour of exercise. Nutrition also plays a key part. He wraps up with success stories of past clients who have worked with him.You can reach Tycho through his website icgainz.com for a personal trainer in Nashville Tennessee.

Robert explains, as an established roofing contractor, Legacy Exterior's core values are honesty, integrity, and education. And those are their primary focus in every single dealing they have with every single customer.In Robert's words, "We carry that with us. It's a lifestyle for us. There's no need for us to go in and high bid jobs because we had a bad month last month, or anything like that. We just do our best. Try to do our best to use those core values to take care of our customers.""We actually have a rule at legacy exteriors for our sales guys that before they get off of a roof after an inspection, they have to stop themselves and ask themselves what's in this customer's best interest on this given day, because one size doesn't fit all necessarily when it comes to providing a solution."You can learn more about Legacy Exteriors on their website legacyexteriorstn.com