Fractal Focus

In this episode of Fractal Focus, Phil sits down with Raheel S. Malik, founder of FirstGen Agency, to explore why most startups struggle to scale and it’s not for the reasons founders expect. The conversation centers on a core theme: defining your “why” is the foundation for sustainable growth. It’s a practical, no-fluff look at what it really takes to build and scale a business. Raheel shares how gaps in clarity, messaging, and self-awareness often hold businesses back more than strategy or product. Tune in to hear more!This episode starts and finishes with "Too Cool" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0.Check out the full license at creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

Philip Lorenzo walks through four critical checkpoints every operator, founder, and team leader should focus on to build a more structured, profitable business. Instead of operating in constant reaction mode, this episode reframes your business as a system – giving you a clear way to assess what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change.From auditing your balance sheet and understanding your true cash position, to breaking down your P&L for growth vs. profitability decisions, this episode dives into the financial foundations most teams overlook. It also covers how to evaluate your subscriptions, payment terms, and cost structure, so you’re not leaking cash without realizing it. Tune in to hear more!This episode starts and finishes with "Too Cool" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0.Check out the full license at creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

In this thought-provoking episode, Phillip Lorenzo sits down with energy wellness entrepreneur Alexandra Byrnes to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, human consciousness, and energetic alignment. Alexandra shares powerful insights on how AI can act as a mirror for our inner world- and how we can use that awareness to consciously shape our future. They unpack why intention matters more than ever, how energy work can unlock your creative power, and why the most successful entrepreneurs of the future will be those who know themselves deeply. Tune in to hear more!This episode starts and finishes with "Too Cool" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0.Check out the full license at creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

In this episode, Phillip Lorenzo sits down with Brittany Parsons Engel- a fifth-generation female entrepreneur and the operator behind the successful multi-location tree care business, One Stop Tree Shop. Brittany shares how she's solving real pain points in hiring, equipment access, and operational efficiency. We explore the cultural resistance to tech and how digital presence is now the front door to growth in trades. Whether you're in tech, trades, or somewhere in between, this conversation will reframe how you see innovation at work in the real world.This episode starts and finishes with "Too Cool" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0.Check out the full license at creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

Philip Lorenzo sits down with Justin Leech, founder of Curiosity Benefits Consulting, to talk about the power of innovation, building community through technology, and what it means to create lasting impact beyond the code. From local events to global ideas, this conversation highlights the passion and purpose driving entrepreneurs like Justin. Whether you're a founder, builder, or curious listener, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.This episode starts and finishes with "Too Cool" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0.Check out the full license at creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

What does it take to truly innovate in today’s AI-driven world? In this special episode of Fractal Focus, recorded live at Folsom Tech Week, host Philip Lorenzo sits down with Sadie St. Lawrence, founder of the Human Machine Collaboration Institute, to explore the cutting edge of AI, entrepreneurship, and the future of work.Sadie shares insights on how startups can leverage AI to accelerate growth, why speed and strategy are critical in today’s competitive landscape, and how data hygiene shapes the success of AI-driven businesses. She also dives into the ethical responsibilities of AI, the challenges of democratization, and how organizations- big and small- can stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech ecosystem.This episode starts and finishes with "Too Cool" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0.Check out the full license at creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

In this engaging episode of Fractal Focus, Phillip Lorenzo sits down with Sedale Turbovsky, a serial entrepreneur and founder, to dive into the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when bridging the gap between the public and private sectors.Sedale shares his insights from over 15 years of experience, including his work with Open Grants, where he focuses on democratizing access to capital and grant funding through technology. From navigating human complexities to addressing privacy concerns in philanthropy, Sedale unpacks the realities of building impactful tech solutions in a space where efficiency meets bureaucracy. This episode starts and finishes with "Too Cool" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0.Check out the full license at creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

In this episode of Fractal Focus, Phillip Lorenzo sits down with Austin Belcak, the founder of Cultivated Culture, a company dedicated to helping people navigate the job market and take control of their careers. Austin shares his journey from transitioning into tech, working at Microsoft, to eventually founding his own company. Together, they dive into the complexities of hiring for startups and early-stage companies, tackling the psychological challenges founders face when assembling their teams.Tune in for practical advice on how to build a winning team, avoid common hiring pitfalls, and make smarter decisions when it comes to your company's most valuable asset: its people. This episode starts and finishes with "Too Cool" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0.Check out the full license at creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

What’s it like to raise venture capital as a woman founder- even with a successful exit under your belt? In this episode, Sara Ledterman shares her eye-opening experience navigating the world of fundraising, the unconventional questions she faced, and the investors who took a chance on her.Whether you're an aspiring founder, an investor, or just curious about how venture capital is evolving, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.This episode starts and finishes with "Too Cool" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0.Check out the full license at creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

Welcome to the very first episode of Fractal Focus, where innovation meets entrepreneurship! Hosted by Philip Lorenzo, COO of Fractal Group, this episode sets the stage for why we launched this podcast- to explore the technology landscape, highlight emerging tech hubs beyond the usual hotspots, and showcase the power of collaboration among businesses.Tune in as we kick off Fractal Focus and explore how innovation is thriving in places like Folsom, CA- and beyond!This episode starts and finishes with "Too Cool" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0.Check out the full license at creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.