Founderholic

Have you ever asked yourself that question, what happens to the money I forget I had? Blue Navy Recovery aims to remind you and recover all the money you forgot you had. Yeah, I know it sounds strange, but it's legit, they are even backed by Techstars, and I had the pleasure of welcoming the Founder, David Dorfman, on the podcast. Join me, Chris Folayan, as I interview David Dorfman to learn more about his company, concept, and why he built it.

Have you ever wondered how to reduce misdiagnosis by your doctor. Ever wonder what a community of people with rare diseases that could support each other would look like? You can stop wondering Elizabeth Tikoyan is building such a platform. It's called HEALP.CO. Join me as I interview Elizabeth and find out more about her company, concept, why she started, and lessons learned along the way. Enjoy the episode and stay blessed.

What does it take to build a successful app company? How do you come up with great ideas? How do you build a market where customers want more? Chris Folayan interviews Jessica Etting the founder and CEO of Jam Family Calendar. An app company doing great things to help people schedule their hectic lives using smarts and AI.

Welcome to Founderholic, the podcast for high-performing founders building enduring companies. In today’s episode, we’re tackling one of the most critical and complex challenges early-stage founders face: how to navigate the fundraising landscape in 2026. The venture capital climate has changed, expectations have shifted, and the bar for raising pre-seed and seed capital has never been higher. Whether you're based in Africa, Europe, or the U.S., this episode will equip you with actionable insights, timing strategies, and investor mindset shifts that will help you raise smarter and scale stronger.

Most people introduce themselves by saying what they do. That is exactly why they are forgotten.In this episode of Founderholic, we break down what actually makes an introduction stick within the first sixty seconds. This conversation is not about elevator pitches, job titles, or polished scripts. It is about the human signals that cause people to recognize you, remember you, and want to continue the conversation.You will learn why memorability matters more than explanation, how the best founders and business owners use human context to stand out, and the simple archetype behind introductions that travel from room to room even when you are not present. We also walk through a live on-air exercise you can use immediately to redesign your own introduction and test whether it survives memory.If you own a software or service business, attend conferences, pitch ideas, or meet new people regularly, this episode will change how you show up in every first conversation.

Great founders do not win because they explain more. They win because they change how people feel and see the problem in front of them.In this episode of Founderholic, we break down what the world’s best founders and keynote speakers understand about influence, trust, and decision-making. A compelling pitch is not an information transfer. It is a transformation. When audiences feel understood, they listen. When they listen, trust forms. When trust forms, decisions happen.You will learn why audiences say yes before logic ever shows up, how elite founders frame problems in a way that makes inaction uncomfortable, and why the most powerful pitches feel personal rather than perfect. We explore the emotional architecture behind belief, the role of clarity over cleverness, and the subtle shifts that turn polite interest into real momentum.If you pitch investors, sell software or services, lead teams, or step onto any stage where belief matters, this episode will change how you think about presenting, persuading, and earning a yes.

Most people get it wrong when it comes to pricing their product or service. On the show with me I have Etinosa Agbonlahor who is a pricing psychology expert and psychologist and we discuss the right way to price your product or service. HINT!! Looking at your competitors pricing isn't the the right way. For free helpful information to help you with pricing please visit https://decisionalpha.co/

Optimization Without Wisdom: The Real AI Threat to Your BusinessIs AI about "evolution, not elimination," or is that just what we want to hear?In the latest episode of the Founderholic Podcast, I have a conversation AI named Maya for a startlingly honest conversation about the future of work. We moved past the sci-fi tropes and tackled the real questions every founder and business owner is asking.We discussed:The Jobs on the Chopping Block: Maya was candid about which roles are most at risk—specifically the "repetitive, soul-crushing tasks that stifle creativity". This is about reallocating human potential, not just replacing it.The True Danger: The biggest risk isn't a robot uprising. It’s a far more subtle threat Maya called "optimization without wisdom"—chasing efficiency so blindly that we lose the human judgment that protects our businesses and ethics.The Redefinition of Expertise: Maya argued that expertise is no longer just about years of experience. It’s now about "the ability to synthesize [information] quickly". How are you preparing your team (and yourself) for this shift?The Ultimate Differentiator: In a world filled with AI, what's the most future-proof skill? The answer is simple: "The jobs that will thrive aren't necessarily the ones that require the most intelligence, but the ones that require the most humanity".This isn't just another talk about AI. This is a strategic conversation about how we lead, build, and innovate in an age where our greatest competitive advantage is our own humanity.Listen to the full episode now at Founderholic.com.#AI #FutureOfWork #BusinessStrategy #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Founderholic #ArtificialIntelligence #Innovation #Tech

I battled ChatGPT in a conversational debate question. There was one clear winner and he or it said "You Won". 👉 The Question: What can founders and CEOs do to increase their valuation prior to meeting investors?😁 The Rule: You can only give one answer at a time and you can not repeat an answer. The last one who gives a unique answer wins. #chatgpt #entrepreneur #startup #business #podcast #businesspodcast #aipodcast

In this 2nd episode I debate an Ai about various business related questions. How well would and AI answer questions you would not find in a text book and questions about running a business that have a ton of human elements involved in it. If you ever wondered how an AI would run a business this is one episode you want to listen to. This episode also takes an interesting twist at the end. Enjoy. Stay blessed.Stay tuned for many more like this

Chris Vs Ai Episode 1 - In this episode I talk to the Ai Maya about business and have the most interesting conversation. You can see the differences in the way we both think and approach business. I use my human experience of over 25 years in building global businesses and the Ai uses an infinite wealth of data and theory and logic that will get you to say hummm sometimes. Join me on other episodes where I interview other conversational Ai platform and ask some deep, human and business experience related questions. Learn more at www.founderholic.com

The worlds greatest CEOs, Founders and Leaders have a mindset and can be often characterized by a unique blend of qualities and skills that enable them to inspire, motivate, and drive success within themselves, their teams and organizations. At the core, effective leaders possess a strong vision that guides their actions and decision-making, with an ability to communicate this vision clearly and persuasively. They demonstrate emotional intelligence, which allows them to understand and manage their own emotions while empathizing with others, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. Additionally, integrity and accountability are paramount, as the best leaders lead by example and earn the trust of their followers through consistent, ethical behavior. Adaptability and resilience also play crucial roles, enabling leaders to navigate challenges and change with grace and confidence. Ultimately, the best leaders cultivate a culture of continuous learning and empowerment, encouraging growth and innovation within their teams. This 8 series episodes explore the core characteristics Chris Folayan award-winning author and serial entrepreneur has found in CEOs and leaders from around the world. All captures in A PINK HUG. Which he will go through letter by letter. Enjoy and stay blessed.

Attitude is the foundation of every successful CEO and Founder on the planet. This episode explores what it takes to become the best Founder and CEO starting with your attitude

Why your passion should be the driver that keeps your company going.

The 2 questions all great CEOs ask themselves each day to become innovative and stay on top of their game.

All the greatest CEOs have used their network to build their companies. This episode discusses what it takes and why you should build a great network.

How great CEOs use knowledge to ensure they always stay on top of their game.

How great CEOs use Humility to win over customers, and workers.

How top CEOs globally use understanding both their customers and employees/staff/consultants to succeed

Why Generosity is one of the most powerful and self fulfilling things a founder/CEO/ Executive can do for their business and themselves.

What happens to your business when you put God first? We explore this and much more on this episode.

Join host Chris Folayan as he discusses how founders and entrepreneurs can deal with doubts they have while building a business. Is it healthy? How can you overcome doubt? and many other questions are answered.

Madeline McQueen talks to host Chris Folayan about how to stand out in a crowd while being your authentic self. With strategies and life lessons. To contact Madeline McQueen please visit https://www.madelinemcqueen.com/

Learn how to easily and quickly differentiate your business in a crowded market.

Chris Folayan talks about how to overcome self-doubt and trips you can use to rapidly get the voices in your head to calm down based on your experiences.

How do successful entrepreneurs manage stress and avoid burnout? We discuss several methods founders can use to reduce stress and build successful companies.

Chris Folayan is joined by guest Alex Poor to discuss what you need to do to improve your pitch deck when presenting virtually.

How to Present Yourself Online and Set Up the Best Virtual Pitch Environment with guest Alex Poor

Learn how to build a successful startup team with similar values, mission and visions as the founder.

Chris Folayan talks about different strategies you can use to grow your company to prevent the loss of to much equity during an investment.

Chris Folayan discusses what tactics founders can take to improve growth and common mistakes and misconceptions founders make when starting up a company.

What are the biggest mistakes first-time entrepreneurs make, and how can I avoid them? We discuss the top mistakes and how to avoid them. #mistakes #business #startup #founder

We discuss what steps you can take to ensure you are starting the right business and have the right time and money to ensure it succeeds.

We discuss the top reasons why investors do not respond to your cold pitch deck emails, and what you can do to improve your chances.

Have you ever wondered what makes an entrepreneur truly stand out to investors? 💡Funding is not just about having a great idea investors look for specific traits that separate fundable founders from the rest. After years of investing in startups and building businesses, I’ve identified 8 key qualities that investors actively seek:🔥 Attitude – The right mindset can make or break your journey.💪 Passion – If you don’t believe in it, why should anyone else?💡 Innovation – Unique ideas and problem-solving skills drive success.🤝 Networking – Business is about connections. Who’s in your circle?📚 Knowledge – Understanding your market and industry is critical.🙏 Humility – Learning from feedback separates winners from the rest.🧠 Understanding – Investors look for founders who “understand lack of control.”❤️ Generosity – The best founders uplift others along the way.These traits don’t just attract funding they help entrepreneurs build sustainable, long-term success. If you’re a startup founder, which of these do you resonate with the most? Let’s discuss in the comments! 👇💡 Save this post for reference and share it with founders and entrepreneurs in your network! 🚀#Entrepreneurship#Startups#Investing#BusinessGrowth#FounderMindset#Leadership#VentureCapital#Fundraising#Networking#Innovation#InvestorTips

What’s the One Thing You Wish You Knew Before Starting Your Business? Great questionThere are so many so I will not limit this to one, but if I had to pick a few game-changers, here’s what I’d tell my past self:🎯 Set Clear Goals – Goals aren’t just milestones; they’re fuel. Having clear, motivating goals will keep you pushing forward when challenges arise.🧠 Mentors & Advisors Matter – The right guidance can save you years of trial and error. Surround yourself with people who have already walked the path.🔍 Know Your Competition – Researching competitors isn’t about copying it’s about understanding the market, spotting gaps, and differentiating effectively.💰 Understand What Investors Want – If funding is part of your journey, knowing how investors think and what they look for can make all the difference in how you build a company.In the latest episode of Founderholic, I dive deeper into these lessons and more. If you're building a business, don’t miss this!🎧 Listen atwww.founderholic.com or search "Founderholic" on Spotify and all major streaming platforms. Got a question? Email me [email protected], and I might answer it in an upcoming episode!hashtag#Entrepreneurshiphashtag#Businesshashtag#Wisdomhashtag#startupshashtag#leadershiphashtag#BusinessGrowthhashtag#Founderholic

How do I secure funding for my startup without giving up too much equity? Learn 5 things you can do to reduce the amount of equity you give away to investors.

Work is hard, life is hard, raising kids is super hard. So how can you become a founder and entrepreneur and build a great company and raise kids successfully. Well it's been done millions of times. So it's possible. My guest Ligia Chacon reveals what it takes for busy parents, leaders, founders and entrepreneurs to raise successful kids. You need to "Lead with Love" listen to Ligia break it down.

Listen as I break down the top 5 questions that all parents should ask their kids daily to help their kids become the best leaders, entrepreneurs, founders, and adults possible. All the questions promote leadership, humility, generosity, curiosity and improve attitude. #parenting #family #leadership #parents

In my latest article, Chris Folayan breaks down the 5 key types of people every entrepreneur needs to thrive:1️⃣ Visionaries and Role Models – They inspire you to dream big and aim higher.2️⃣ Mentors and Advisors – Your personal board of directors, guiding you with wisdom and experience.3️⃣ Partners and Team Members – Co-creators who share your vision and help you execute it.4️⃣ Supporters and Cheerleaders – Your emotional backbone during tough times.5️⃣ Connectors and Networkers – Door-openers who introduce you to opportunities you didn’t know existed.

When it comes to pitching ideas, or investors, non-verbal communication can make or break your message, often saying more than words ever could. Many entrepreneurs know the basics, like eye contact and confident posture, but there's a wealth of powerful body language strategies backed by science that go unnoticed. Here’s a list of advanced techniques designed to project authority, build trust, and subtly influence your audience. Let’s dive in.

Welcome to the Founderholic podcast! I’m Chris Folayan, and today we’re diving into a concept that may surprise you—why ignorance is key to growing a successful business. We’ve all heard the saying, “the customer is always right,” and by now, you’ve probably realized that’s not always the case. But here’s the twist: the business isn’t always right either. So, what’s the solution when neither side has all the answers? The answer lies in embracing ignorance—specifically, understanding what you don’t know from both the customer’s and the business’s perspectives. In this episode, we’ll explore how asking yourself “W.H.Y.” (What Have You _______?) can unlock valuable insights and lead to smarter decisions. Tune in as we unpack this powerful approach to building a successful company by staying curious and humble, even in the face of uncertainty.

Entrepreneur, CEO, advisor and mentor Lou Schillaci discusses what it takes to build a successful startup with host and serial entrepreneur Chris Folayan. Get a deeper frank perspective on what it takes to build a successful business. #Consulting #BusinessStrategy #Training #Development #Management #entrepreneur #startup #leadership

Parents, how are schools teaching our kids to think like and understand entrepreneurship? What role can parents play to helping their child find their "Brilliance" while still maintaining a fun loving childhood. ⁠Katherine Carlsson the founder of GL-schools.org  and teachershero.world joins Chris Folayan (host) on a discussion that will make you think about education and how you can play a role in helping your child find their spark, passion, creativity, and entrepreneurial brilliance. #Consulting #BusinessStrategy #Training #Development #Management #raisingkids #children

Dylan Piatti shares insights from his extensive entrepreneurial journey, highlighting often overlooked elements crucial for business growth. Drawing from his diverse experiences, he discusses strategies for building a business with minimal financial resources and emphasizes the lessons learned over the years in managing customers, scaling operations, fostering trust, handling management egos, achieving success, and more ⁠www.Founderholic.com⁠ / ⁠ www.FounderCentered.com⁠ / ⁠www.ReadySetCEO.Fun⁠ /⁠www.ChrisFolayan.com⁠ #Consulting #BusinessStrategy #Training #Development #Management #entrepreneur #startup #leadership #Founder #Investors

Ever wonder how much your startup or business is worth? What is the most accurate and easiest way to assess your startup's value, understand investor perceptions of your pitch deck, and enhance your valuation through simple adjustments. This podcast episode will answer all those questions and much more. #Consulting #BusinessStrategy #Training #Development #Management #entrepreneur #startup #leadership #finance

In the entrepreneurial world, both inexperience and experience offer unique advantages. Novice entrepreneurs often bring fresh perspectives that can lead to disruptive innovations similar to the ones above and even companies have built one which created the first cross-border ecommerce economy in Africa. The lack of preconceived notions allows inexperienced people with ideas the ability to approach problems with a clean slate ready to problem solve, fostering creativity and unconventional solutions. On the other hand, experienced professionals provide stability, strategic insight, and a wealth of knowledge that can guide businesses through growth and challenges. #Consulting #BusinessStrategy #Training #Development #Management #entrepreneur #startup #leadership

How to develop, build and deliver a unique and perfect pitch story that will grab the attention of investors, partners, and customers. ⁠www.Founderholic.com⁠ / ⁠ www.FounderCentered.com⁠ / ⁠www.ReadySetCEO.Fun⁠ /⁠www.ChrisFolayan.com⁠ #Consulting #BusinessStrategy #Training #Development #Management #entrepreneur #startup #leadership

Join host Chris Folayan and guest Sid Mofya as they explore and break down the best ways to get an investors attention. Entrepreneurs, listen up! Securing funding is a critical hurdle, and with so many businesses vying for investor attention, it's crucial to stand out from the pack. Randomly sending emails to potential investors is almost guaranteed to get you nowhere fast. We've all been there. You've poured your heart and soul into your idea, built a groundbreaking product, and now it's time to secure the funding to take it to the next level. But with a sea of amazing founders looking for investor attention, how do you make yourself stand out? I discuss this and building a passion-based business on this episode of the Founderholic podcast. ⁠www.Founderholic.com⁠ / ⁠ www.FounderCentered.com⁠ / ⁠www.ReadySetCEO.Fun⁠ /⁠www.ChrisFolayan.com⁠ #Investors #Growthhack #BusinessStrategy #Training #Development #Management #entrepreneur #startup #leadership #funding

Learn the art of cultivating top talent for your startup as Sarah FitzMorris joins host Chris Folayan in an insightful discussion. Sarah has over two decades of executive hiring expertise from Executives in Africa, on this episode she shares invaluable insights on crafting a winning team culture, reputation and structure. Tune in to discover her expert strategies for identifying and nurturing the ideal individuals who embody the essence of your entrepreneurial or startup venture.