Entrepreneurship Unlocked w/ Nate Linder

In this episode of Entrepreneurship Unlocked, I sit down with Jamie Turner, keynote speaker, professor, author, workshop leader, and CNN contributor, to talk about personal growth, mindset, presence, entrepreneurship, and what it really means to become the best version of yourself. We get into Jamie’s idea of finding your “core essence,” how to know whether the work you’re doing is actually aligned with who you are, and why feeling tired is very different from feeling soul-depleted. We also talk about the concept of the “aspiration line,” self-awareness, rewiring your mindset, the role of data in self-improvement, and why so many people struggle to stay present in their day-to-day lives. Jamie also shares one of the most personal moments of his life, how it changed the way he views success, and how that experience shaped his new book, Better: A Guidebook to a New and Improved You. Toward the end of the conversation, we also get into public speaking, audience connection, and what it really takes to build trust and energy in a room. If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone trying to grow personally and professionally, I think you’ll get a lot out of this one.Topics we cover: Finding your core essence  How to know if you’re on the right path  Presence and living in the moment  Mindset and self-awareness  Personal growth tools and habits  Following the data in business and life  Public speaking and building audience trust Support the show

In this episode, I sit down with Jivan Powell, the founder of Glint Cleaning Solutions, a commercial cleaning and facilities management company serving businesses across the UK.Jivan breaks down how Glint started during COVID as a car detailing hustle, then pivoted into house cleaning and eventually into commercial contracts as the market shifted. We get into what it actually takes to build a service business, the importance of processes and SOPs, and why being adaptable is not optional if you want to scale.We also talk about leadership, hiring, and the part of entrepreneurship nobody posts on social media, the uncomfortable work behind the scenes that makes the “highlight reel” possible.If you run a business, want to start one, or you are in that phase where you are trying to build something real without overcomplicating it, you will get a lot out of this one.Shout out to Jivan and the team at Glint. If you need commercial cleaning or facilities management support, check them out: glintcleaning.co.ukSupport the show

In this episode of Entrepreneurship Unlocked, I’m joined by Rebel SMG, the founder of Rebels Raiders, a US based tactical gear brand with a loyal following and a reputation for building high quality gear without the inflated price tag.Rebel walks through how his path started at Kenai Pro Gear, how he ended up doing everything from warehouse work to customer service to marketing, and why memes became the unexpected growth engine that helped the brand break through. We also get into how Rebels Raiders was born, including the early move that changed everything, buying a leftover container of unshipped inventory with his life savings, flipping it, then meeting the Vietnamese manufacturer he still uses today.We talk product design and what it looks like to build gear for real people, not just hardcore gear nerds. Rebel breaks down why most tactical gear feels like an overwhelming a la carte mess, and how he designed an all in one plate carrier and a modern backpack by pulling inspiration from what already existed and improving it. He also shares the pricing philosophy behind the brand, aiming for that sweet spot where the gear performs at the “Gucci” level, but stays accessible.Later in the episode, we get into how he built a large social media presence and his philosophy of “controlled authenticity,” basically being real but intentional, and tailoring content to the platform without turning into a try hard growth hacker.If you’re into brand building, product development, direct to consumer entrepreneurship, or you just want to hear what it actually looks like to build something from scratch without a perfect setup, you’ll like this one.https://rebels-raiders.com/Support the show

In this episode of Entrepreneurship Unlocked, I sit down with Adam Turmakhan, the founder of TurmaFinTech, a company focused on helping community banks and credit unions finally make better use of the data they already have.Adam’s story is a great example of how most entrepreneurs actually get started. He didn’t grow up dreaming of being a founder. He began his career in banking, working as a financial analyst, first in Kazakhstan and later in the United States. Over time, he started noticing a big problem in the industry. Smaller financial institutions are sitting on massive amounts of valuable data, but they often lack the tools, resources, and internal capabilities to turn that data into real business growth.We talk about how big banks are already far ahead when it comes to using data and AI, and why community banks and credit unions tend to fall behind. Adam explains the real reasons this happens, including bureaucracy, limited resources, and how hard it can be for large institutions to adopt new technology, even when they know they should.Adam also shares what it has been like building a fintech company as a young founder while selling to decision makers who are often decades older than him. We get into how he thinks about trust, why he avoids overselling, and why being honest about what you can and cannot do is one of the biggest advantages in business, especially in traditional industries like banking.We also spend time talking about AI, where it actually makes sense to use it, and where most companies get it wrong. Adam explains why AI should be used to solve very specific business problems, not just because it is trendy, and how it can help banks better understand their customers, reduce churn, and grow in smarter ways.On the personal side, Adam opens up about his journey coming to the U.S. from Kazakhstan, overcoming his fear of public speaking, and how entrepreneurship has pushed him to grow far outside of his comfort zone. He shares what excites him most about what he is building right now and why helping struggling banks is a big part of what motivates him.If you are building a company in a traditional industry, selling to enterprise or institutional clients, or navigating entrepreneurship as a young founder, this episode will definitely resonate.You can learn more about TurmaFinTech at https://www.turmafintech.com/Support the show

In this episode of Entrepreneurship Unlocked, Nate sits down with Sophia Akrami, owner of Anova Care, a Colorado based home care and home health company helping families keep their loved ones supported at home with dignity, comfort, and consistency. Sophia shares the personal story that led her into this work, including her mom’s stroke and what it taught her about what families actually need when home care becomes real life. We talk about why home can be such a powerful place for healing, how fragmented the healthcare system can feel when you are navigating it, and why “continuum of care” matters so families are not forced to restart the same conversation with multiple providers. We also get into the business side of building a service company in a highly regulated industry, what it takes to hire and retain great caregivers, and the questions families should ask when evaluating home care providers. If you have aging parents, you are supporting a loved one with a health condition, or you want to understand the reality of home care before you are in a crisis moment, this episode will hit home. Learn more about Anova Care: https://anovacare.com/Support the show

In this episode of Entrepreneurship Unlocked, Nate sits down with Ben Kinning, owner of Sales Geek Denver and CRO of Satori XR, to unpack Ben’s path from an accidental start in sales to leading high-performing teams and helping founders grow revenue in a smarter, more sustainable way.Ben shares the early career story that shaped him, including a brutal first sales job selling subprime mortgages before 2008, and how persistence and relentless networking helped him break into corporate banking, where he quickly became a top producer and later a top-performing sales leader. From there, the conversation shifts into what actually makes great salespeople great, why “natural talent” is only part of the equation, and how most people get pulled into bad, copy-and-paste sales approaches that do not fit who they are.Nate and Ben also dive deep into fractional sales leadership, why it is becoming more common, and how it helps companies cut expensive leadership bloat while giving teams more time to execute. They talk through real world examples of the disconnect inside organizations, including what happens when leadership thinks the CRM is “dialed in” while half the team swears it does not even exist.For founders, this one hits hard. Ben breaks down common mistakes entrepreneurs make in sales, including overexplaining, clinging too tightly to control, hiring the wrong kind of “big title” sales leader too early, and expecting results in a few weeks when sales cycles take time. They also get practical about hiring your first sales support, signals that it is time to step back as the main revenue driver, and how to think about roles like appointment setting versus closer responsibilities.Finally, Ben calls out the sales myths he wants to see disappear, especially the idea that “sales is a numbers game,” and replaces it with a better framework built on effectiveness, focus, and learning your craft.Ben also shares advice on outsourcing business development, what to watch for with overseas agencies, and the model he has seen work best long-term.Where to find Ben: Sales Geek Coloradohttps://salesgeekcolorado.com/Support the show

In this episode of Entrepreneurship Unlocked, Nate sits down with Robert Kennedy III, President of Kennetik Kommunications, for a wide ranging conversation on communication, confidence, and storytelling in business.Robert shares how his journey started long before the stage, from being a curious kid who learned to stay quiet, to realizing in high school that opportunities tend to go to the people who speak up. From there, he built confidence through repetition, performance, and real reps in front of people.You’ll hear Robert break down how Kennetik Kommunications helps leaders and business owners communicate with more clarity and impact, especially in competitive industries like real estate. He also explains the difference between “contacting” and actually creating connection, why influential speakers win through connection not just technique, and how to tighten up your stories so you’re not burying the point in unnecessary details.They also get into video storytelling, attention, hooks, and why asking better questions is one of the fastest ways to become a stronger communicator and a more trusted leader.Topics covered: • Building confidence through repetition and real stage reps • Voice, vision, and value, the Kennetik Kommunications framework • Contact vs connection and how to retain customers through trust • Business storytelling vs entertainment storytelling • The biggest storytelling mistake most people make • Video hooks and how to earn attention in a crowded feed • Why asking great questions “hijacks” attention in a good way • Trust over manipulation in sales and leadershipSupport the show

In this episode of Entrepreneurship Unlocked, I sit down with lifelong entrepreneur Bob Campana to unpack a 50 year journey of building businesses, betting on himself, and staying obsessed with human connection in an increasingly digital world. Bob shares how a $500 bid on an old redwood pipeline turned into a thriving hot tub business, which evolved into a 170 person pool construction company doing 500 backyard projects a year. From there, he walks through building one of the most beloved restaurants in California, navigating a land deal with the Mormon church, and eventually partnering with a billionaire developer to literally move his restaurant 20 miles down the freeway and rebuild it as the centerpiece of a new master planned community. We also get into the mindset side of entrepreneurship, including why failure is the real teacher, how to think about rejection in sales, and why your soft skills and ability to connect with people matter more than ever. Along the way, Bob breaks down his “memory moments and moments of truth” customer experience framework, and we talk about how that applies to modern marketing, content, AI, and building trust online. In this episode, we cover: How a six month, round the world trip at 21 sparked Bob’s decision to become an entrepreneurTurning a $500 redwood pipeline into 175 hot tubs and a launchpad businessScaling a pool company to 170 employees and 500 backyard projects a yearDesigning financing and developer partnerships to grow without constant sellingWhy selling that business at 50 led him into the “scariest word” in business: restaurantsBuilding a restaurant that became a local institution and one of the most romantic spots in CaliforniaThe wild story of negotiating with the Mormon church and ultimately selling the restaurant propertyMoving the original building and inserting it into a new 16,000 square foot flagship Redwood CafePartnering with a billionaire and adjusting retirement plans at 71 for one more big projectWhy Bob wrote his book Don’t Look Down and how it shifted from memoir to entrepreneurial playbookThe “memory moments” strategy for customer experience and referralsHuman connection, social media, and why Bob launched a YouTube channel at 70Entrepreneurial travel experiences and why proximity creates lifelong friendshipsOur take on AI, storytelling, content quality, and why creative still winsWhy consuming self help without action is just entertainmentConnect with Bob Book: Don’t Look Down Website: bobcampana.com Travel company: redwoodcafetours.com YouTube: Get Back 2 Work If you enjoyed this conversation, hit subscribe and share this episode with another entrepreneur who cares about building real businesses and real relationships. #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #restaurantbusiness #traveltours #marketing #digitalmarketing #storytelling #AI #customerexperienceSupport the show

In this episode of Entrepreneurship Unlocked I sit down with Bri Amendola, an exercise physiologist, yoga teacher, and founder of Balancing with Bri. We talk about her journey into the wellness space, how yoga changed her life, and what nervous system informed wellness really means.Bri shares how taking care of your body and mind directly impacts your ability to succeed in business. We also get into imposter syndrome, pushing past self doubt, and simple ways to regulate your nervous system so you can avoid burnout and show up at your best.If you are an entrepreneur looking for balance and new tools to improve both your health and your business, this is a conversation you will not want to miss.Follow Bri on Instagram at @balancingwithbriSupport the show

In this episode of Entrepreneurship Unlocked, I sit down with Dr. Lawrence Kessler and Dr. Scott Flashner, founders of Restoration Health 365 and pioneers in the field of health optimization, disease prevention, and regenerative medicine.We dive into their journey from emergency room physicians to urgent care owners—and now to independent, functional medicine doctors focused on treating root causes rather than just masking symptoms. Dr. Kessler is also the author of Optimology: The Future of Medicine, a book that challenges the traditional healthcare model and lays out a systems-based approach to getting the body back in balance.In this conversation, we talk about:Why they left traditional medicine to build something betterHow hormone optimization and nutrient testing can dramatically improve long-term healthWhat’s really behind the rise of GLP-1 medications (aka “skinny shots”)How big insurance and hospital systems are limiting both doctors and patientsWhat doctors looking to go independent should know before making the leapWe also get into the economics of healthcare, the dangers of environmental disruptors (EDCs), and why movement is one of the most underrated prescriptions in medicine.If you’re someone who’s felt frustrated by the conventional system—or you’re a physician thinking about going independent—this is a powerful, eye-opening conversation you don’t want to miss.📘 Grab Dr. Kessler’s book Optimology: The Future of Medicine on Amazon 🌐 Learn more at restorationhealth365.comSupport the show

In this episode of Entrepreneurship Unlocked, I sit down with Mike Howell—professional river guide, small-town City Councilman, and former restaurant owner. Mike is in Bull Shoals, Arkansas, taking people from all over the country on unforgettable fishing trips down the White River. But before that, he was slinging sandwiches at his seaside shop out in Washington.We talk about what it’s really like to run a guiding business, how COVID forced him to pivot out of the restaurant industry, and why returning to his roots in Arkansas turned out to be the best decision he could’ve made. We also dive into what it’s like to serve in local government as an entrepreneur—and how different it is making decisions with a committee versus calling your own shots.Mike shares some honest insights about knowing when to pivot, how to take care of your people, and why younger folks need to start stepping into leadership roles in their communities. This is one of those conversations that blends passion, practicality, and purpose in a way that just hits different.If you’ve ever dreamed of building a life around what you love—or wondered what it really looks like to walk away from one business to build another—you’ll get a lot out of this one.🎣 Book a trip with Mike through Gaston’s White River Resort 📍 Learn more about Bull Shoals: bullshoals.orgSupport the show

In this episode of Entrepreneurship Unlocked, I sit down with Georgia and Archer, the powerhouse duo behind Sundown Music—a production and songwriting studio that’s shaking up the industry for independent artists.We dive deep into their story—how a last-minute Instagram DM led to a partnership, building Sundown from the ground up, and creating a business model that makes professional music production affordable for emerging talent. Georgia and Archer share how they’ve helped countless artists bring their songs to life, all while producing, mixing, and mastering their own debut album set to drop this September.We talk about: 🎶 Their unique “one-stop shop” approach for upcoming artists 📀 Why they’re releasing their album exclusively on their website instead of streaming platforms 🌍 Taking their studio international with portable gear to work with artists worldwide 🚀 Their future plans for launching a record label and redefining artist-first support 🎤 The highs of performing at Glastonbury and hosting sold-out events like their annual artist showcase and boat party on the ThamesThis isn’t just about music—it’s about entrepreneurship, creativity, and building a community around your passion.If you’re an artist, producer, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on blending artistry with business savvy in a way that actually works.🎧 Listen now and find out how Sundown Music is helping artists own their sound—and their careers.Support the show

What does it take to build a successful SaaS business in today’s crowded market? In this episode of Entrepreneurship Unlocked, I talk with Chris Richards, founder and CEO of UX Brite, about his journey from idea to execution—and the challenges and wins he’s experienced building a tech company from scratch.Chris opens up about the realities of creating a software product, growing a user base, and navigating the ups and downs of running a startup. From product development to marketing to scaling operations, this conversation is full of insights for anyone looking to break into tech or level up their entrepreneurial game.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ How Chris validated his SaaS idea and brought it to market ✅ The biggest mistakes to avoid when building a tech product ✅ Tips for growing a user base without a massive ad budget ✅ Why UX (user experience) is critical for product success ✅ The mindset shifts required to go from founder to CEOThis episode is perfect for: 🚀 Founders building their first tech product 💡 Entrepreneurs exploring the SaaS space 📱 Anyone curious about how software companies grow from zero to profitableChris’s story is a reminder that building something valuable takes time, patience, and the willingness to adapt. If you’ve ever wondered how successful SaaS businesses are built—or you’re dreaming about starting your own—this episode gives you the blueprint and inspiration to get moving.🎧 Hit play to hear how Chris went from idea to scaling UX Brite into a growing software company.Support the show

How do you take a leap from being a solo marketer to running a digital agency serving businesses all over the world? In this episode of Entrepreneurship Unlocked, I sit down with Julian Johnson, founder and CEO of Magic City Marketing, to unpack his journey of building a successful lead generation agency from the ground up.Julian’s story is packed with insights for entrepreneurs and marketing professionals at any stage. We talk about how he identified his niche, scaled his services, and developed the systems needed to deliver results for clients across multiple industries. He also shares the challenges of growing a team, managing clients, and staying ahead in a fast-moving digital marketing landscape.Here’s what we cover in this episode: ✅ The mindset shift from freelancer to agency owner ✅ How Julian built scalable systems for client success ✅ Mistakes he made early on—and how he fixed them ✅ Why relationships and communication are critical for agency growth ✅ His favorite lead generation tactics that actually convertThis episode is for: 📈 Entrepreneurs who want to scale their business without burning out 💻 Marketers looking for real-world insights from someone in the trenches 🎯 Anyone curious about how to land clients, grow a team, and stay profitable in a competitive spaceJulian’s story proves that you don’t need to have it all figured out on day one—you just need to start, stay consistent, and keep improving. Whether you’re running your own agency or dreaming about it, this episode will give you tactical advice and the motivation to level up.🎧 Hit play and hear how Julian went from solo hustler to building a team and serving clients worldwide with Magic City Marketing.Support the show

What does it really take to turn a side hustle into a full-time business? In this episode of Entrepreneurship Unlocked, I sit down with Chase Allen, founder of PCB Tech Art, to talk about his journey from an idea to building a thriving creative business—and all the lessons learned along the way.Chase’s story is one every entrepreneur can relate to. He didn’t have a roadmap or a big team. What he did have was a unique idea, the willingness to put in the work, and the mindset to keep pushing even when things got hard. Today, PCB Tech Art is creating custom PCB artwork that’s making waves in both the tech and art worlds.In this conversation, we cover: ✅ How to find your niche in a crowded market ✅ The real challenges of growing a business from zero ✅ Marketing strategies for creative entrepreneurs ✅ Scaling a small business without losing your personal touch ✅ The mindset shifts that help you stay consistent and avoid burnoutWhether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative trying to monetize your craft, or someone already in the trenches of building your business, this episode will give you practical advice and plenty of inspiration.You’ll hear Chase break down:How he spotted an untapped opportunity and validated his ideaWhat it’s like bootstrapping a business with no outside fundingThe tools and systems that helped him scale productionThe marketing experiments that brought in real paying customersWhy persistence and patience are key when growth feels slowThis episode isn’t just about starting a business—it’s about staying in the game when things don’t go as planned, learning from failure, and building something you’re proud of.🎧 If you’ve been thinking about launching your own business or taking your side hustle to the next level, Chase’s story will give you the push you’ve been waiting for.Hit play now to hear how PCB Tech Art went from an idea in Chase’s head to a growing business loved by customers across the country.Support the show