Founders Podcast

SummaryIn this conversation, Eric McHugh discusses his innovative AI-powered matchmaking service, Dating, which aims to create meaningful connections by leveraging users' digital footprints. He shares insights into the challenges of traditional dating apps, the unique features of his platform, and the importance of user experience. Eric also reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, the dynamics of his team, and the strategies for marketing and user acquisition. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the significance of personal growth, authenticity, and serving others in the entrepreneurial landscape.

SummaryIn this episode of Founders Podcast, Ash interviews Marnie Wills, an AI trainer and strategist who shares her journey from being a physical education teacher and personal trainer to embracing technology and AI in her businesses. Marnie discusses the importance of mental shifts for non-technical founders, strategies for acquiring customers, and the significance of targeting the right market. She emphasizes the need for authentic content in the age of AI and the growing desire for community and human connection. Marnie also shares essential AI tools for founders and her experience in building custom AI solutions for businesses, concluding with insights from a quickfire round.

He's the kind of entrepreneur who doesn't just talk growth—he builds it, scales it, and engineers it for measurable impact. From mastering calisthenics to mastering conversions, his life is a case study in discipline, vision, and purpose.This guest isn't just a digital marketer—he's a strategist who's helped brands unlock massive ROI, and he runs a performance-driven agency that blends AI with marketing science.And if you've ever wondered how values like freedom, health, and spirituality can fuel an entrepreneurial empire—well, you're about to find out.Please welcome to the Founders Podcast... Samir ElKamouny.

He flipped over 100 properties, built not one, not two, but three property management companies, and scaled a real estate team to $8 million in annual sales—all before most people knew what a real estate team even was. This is not your average entrepreneur story. It's the kind with crashes, comebacks, and candid truths no one tells you about building real wealth. From losing it all after the 2008 crash to launching an insurance agency in 2023, our guest is proof that business isn't a straight line—it's a rollercoaster you ride with grit. Welcome to the show, Shane Wilson.

700+ patents. Two decades of experience. One global mission to protect your million-dollar ideas.Ever wondered what separates a napkin sketch from a billion-dollar business? Or why some ideas get stolen while others get sealed with ironclad protection? Today's guest has been on both sides of the patent battlefield—first as a U.S. Patent Examiner, and now as the fierce advocate behind one of the most trusted patent law offices in the country.From nanotech to international filings, he's the go-to guy if you're serious about safeguarding your innovation.Please welcome to the Founders Podcast… Austin Bonderer – also known as Austin the Patent Attorney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every 500-employee company risks losing over $4 million each year—not from poor sales or failed products, but from something far more silent: employee turnover. Now, imagine keeping 95% of your team happy, motivated, and thriving. What would that mean for your bottom line?Our guest today didn't just imagine it—she built an entire company to solve it. With a background rooted in leadership and a mission to make expert-led coaching accessible to all, she's helping organisations retain talent and unlock massive value by developing their people, not replacing them.She's the founder of Terawatt.co, a B2B marketplace helping businesses slash turnover and spark long-term growth. Please welcome to the show—Francie Jain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Founders Podcast: Guest Intro for Sapna Pieroux

8 out of 10 startups fail—but what if most of those failures were avoidable? Imagine having a toolkit that not only shows you where things go wrong but also teaches you how to “goof-proof” your business before disaster strikes.Today's guest has made—and survived—his fair share of entrepreneurial blunders. From navigating the rollercoaster of launching WhirlWhims LLC to mentoring small business owners on how not to self-sabotage, he's distilled his wisdom into a powerful new book, UH-OH!He's an inventor, entrepreneur, and the self-proclaimed “Uh-Oh! Navigator”… Please welcome William Holsten to the Founders Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine saving thousands of dollars a year on business tools—no per-user fees, no unnecessary add-ons, just everything you need to scale. Sounds too good to be true? Well, today's guest made it a reality. He's a serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, and a fierce advocate for small businesses. From cutting costs to maximising efficiency, he's here to share the game-changing strategies that level the playing field between startups and industry giants.He's the mastermind behind InLink.com, a powerhouse platform designed to give solopreneurs and small businesses every tool they need to thrive—without the hefty price tag. Whether you're struggling with tech, looking to streamline operations, or just want to future-proof your business, this episode is for you.Join me in welcoming Ken Cox! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine losing your six-figure job and feeling completely lost… and then, within weeks, transforming your mindset, regaining confidence, and stepping into a life of abundance. Sounds impossible? Well, today's guest has made this possible for countless entrepreneurs.He's a master of shifting people from stress and scarcity to confidence and success. Known as the Architect of The Warrior's L.I.F.E. Code, he helps people break free from limiting beliefs and build a future where they can Live Incredibly Full Everyday—yes, that's L.I.F.E. in action!From struggling entrepreneurs to top-tier business leaders, he's helped them scale, break bottlenecks, and create seven-figure businesses. And today, he's here to share his secrets. Please welcome Martin Salama!

In the world of emerging businesses, less than 10% make it to their fifth year. But what if you had the financial insight to break that mould and thrive? Today's guest is a master at helping businesses do just that. With over 24 years of experience in strategic finance, Salvatore Tirabassi is the founder of CFO Pro + Analytics, a firm dedicated to guiding entrepreneurs through complex financial landscapes. Having worked in venture capital and as a fractional CFO, Salvatore is a true advocate for empowering business owners with actionable insights that transform their growth. Whether you're navigating capital raising or improving operations, his approach helps you turn numbers into tools for success.So, who is the financial strategist behind the success of numerous businesses? Meet Salvatore Tirabassi! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

300 years. That's how long an industry has operated the same way—until now. Imagine a world where selling a business doesn't involve middlemen, commissions, or hidden fees. A world where buyers have to put skin in the game before they can even reach a seller.Our guest today is on a mission to disrupt the business-for-sale market in a way no one else has dared to. From serving in the military to getting a black belt in Hapkido, from managing a full house remodel to bootstrapping his own startup, he's done it all. But here's the kicker—he's still in the trenches, fighting through obstacles and uncertainty.Most podcasts highlight entrepreneurs who've already "made it." But today, we're diving into the raw, unfiltered reality of the journey—before the big success story is written.Join me as I sit down with Evan Poling, the founder of BizRetire.com, to talk about disrupting a 300-year-old industry, the struggles of bootstrapping, and why we need to normalise failure in entrepreneurship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Future of E-Commerce Fulfilment Are You Ready for This Disruption? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

93% of leaders believe they need better communication skills, yet most never take action to improve them. Why? Because leadership isn't just about authority—it's about facilitation. Today's guest has spent over two decades equipping leaders with the skills to thrive, transform teams, and navigate the toughest workplace challenges.She's the co-author of The Facilitation Advantage, a leadership consultant, and the Director of Facilitation Excellence at Proteus International. Her journey from personal hardship to professional mastery is both inspiring and packed with lessons for every founder, executive, and aspiring leader.Please welcome to the Founders Podcast… Therese Miclot! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that the global horse racing industry is projected to reach over $793 billion by 2030? With such staggering figures, efficient horse management has never been more crucial. Our guest today transformed a personal need into a groundbreaking solution for horse owners worldwide. Combining his expertise in software engineering with a passion for equestrian care, he developed a platform that streamlines everything from veterinary records to performance tracking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if I told you that landing a deal with Mark Cuban on Shark Tank wasn't the peak of success—but just the beginning of a rollercoaster ride?Today's guest took that leap, built a brand, and faced the brutal realities of entrepreneurship—losing six figures in inventory, shutting down her dream company, and then reinventing herself in the world of luxury real estate. Now, she's helping founders navigate the startup grind with hard-earned wisdom and no sugar-coating.She's the host of The Seed Money Podcast, an angel investor, and a serial entrepreneur who's been through the highs and the heartbreaks of building a business. Please welcome—Jayla Siciliano! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the secret behind scaling some of the most successful start-ups in the world—like Deliveroo, Vita Mojo, and beyond? Today's guest knows exactly what it takes to turn fledgling businesses into industry giants. Claire Alvis has spent her career building high-performance teams and customer success strategies that drive massive growth. But it's not all just business—Claire is also a mum of two, managing the balance of start-up life and family life. In this episode, she'll share her journey from surviving start-up failures to scaling unicorns, and how founders can grow with purpose, without losing control. Claire Alvis, the powerhouse behind Silent Partner, is here to drop some serious knowledge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What would you do with £500,000 in startup funding? Our guest today didn't just raise that—he built a thriving AI company with it. As the Co-founder & Chief Product and Technology Officer of Vente AI, he's revolutionising how recruitment agencies automate business development.With over a decade of experience in AI, blockchain, and SaaS, he's led game-changing projects for Coca-Cola, Gatorade, and even HMRC. From securing investments to scaling startups, he knows exactly what it takes to turn bold ideas into real impact.If you're ready to learn how to raise, build, and scale in the AI space—this episode is for you. Welcome to the show, Octavian Neguletu! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine working for over a decade at one of the biggest tech giants, seeing first-hand how digital commerce was getting more complex, and thinking—there has to be a better way. Most people might just complain. But our guest today? He built the solution.He's a serial entrepreneur, a tech startup CEO, and a proud restaurant owner. By day, he's revolutionising how brands manage e-commerce with AI-powered merchandising at Syntheum AI. By night? You might just find him brewing up the best matcha in Massachusetts at Kushala Sip Coffee House, the café he co-owns with his wife.So, how does one juggle tech, AI, and coffee? And what lessons can we learn from his journey? Let's dive in with Vinod Krishna-Kumar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine walking out of prison with nothing but a few dollars in your pocket and nowhere to go. Society has moved on, doors are shut, and the odds are stacked against you. But what if someone believed in you enough to give you a second chance?Today's guest knows all about second chances—not just giving them but living them. From homelessness to business ownership, from rejection to award-winning success, his journey is a testament to resilience, redemption, and the power of never giving up.He's the founder of Good Samaritan Home, a non-profit helping people rebuild their lives after prison. He's also an award-winning author whose novel, Running As Fast As I Can, has won over 30 literary awards. Please welcome to the Founders Podcast—John David Graham! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine a world where debt doesn't control your life – where instead, innovation and new solutions empower you to break free. Today's guest is someone who's not just thinking about this future, but building it. With over two decades of experience in the entrepreneurial world, he's been behind two successful exits and has mentored hundreds of startups. His journey includes shaping the future of entrepreneurship globally and revolutionising the way we manage debt. From teaching at Techstars to shaping global entrepreneurial ecosystems with MIT, his impact is undeniable. But what's more inspiring than his success is his mission to help others succeed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine battling 11 years of chronic pain, only to turn that struggle into a relentless drive for innovation. Now, picture building companies that serve giants like UBS Bank, KPMG, and the European Banking Authority—all while exploring the cutting edge of AI and Web3.Today's guest is not just a tech entrepreneur; he's a philosopher at heart, deeply influenced by thinkers like Nietzsche, constantly questioning the "why" behind everything. From managing Airbnbs to pioneering the Metaverse, and now leading Interactive Avatars, he's on a mission to redefine how businesses engage with their customers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the one thing every business owner eventually faces but rarely plans for? The exit. Whether it's passing the torch, selling up, or stepping back, exiting a business can be a make-or-break moment. But how do you ensure your life's work isn't undervalued—or worse—unsellable?Today's guest is an expert in preparing businesses for that critical transition. With a proven 21-step methodology and a mission to help owners extract maximum value, he's revolutionised the way businesses prepare for the next chapter. He's also the voice behind the Exit Insights podcast, where he dives deep into sellability secrets and successful transitions.Please welcome to Founders Podcast, the man helping entrepreneurs shape their legacies—Darryl Bates-Brownsword! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine building a company from the ground up, scaling it to success, then stepping back—only to realise you're far from done. Some entrepreneurs chase success once, but others make it a habit. Today's guest is one of those rare minds who doesn't just build businesses—he transforms them.From startups to scale-ups to successful exits, he's spent over a decade pushing boundaries in the tech world. He's worked with some of the biggest business leaders, produced high-stakes live events, and now, even in semi-retirement, he's still shaping the future of businesses and organisations.Please welcome to the show—Richard Lee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine transforming your clunky, confusing product into something users can't stop raving about. What if the key to skyrocketing user retention and engagement lay in just a few strategic tweaks? Sounds magical, doesn't it?Today, we're diving into the art and science of product design with a true expert. With over 15 years of experience, he's helped startups and tech giants alike turn complex user experiences into intuitive, scalable designs. His hands-on, collaborative approach has saved countless companies from the pain of frustrated users and sky-high churn rates.He's the founder of Durran, a company revolutionising the way products connect with their users. Please welcome to the Founders Podcast, Daniel Andor!

Imagine juggling a demanding career while navigating the rollercoaster of hormonal changes that impact your focus, energy, and overall well-being. Now, picture a world where workplaces not only acknowledge these challenges but actively support them with solutions that empower and uplift. Our guest today is on a mission to turn that vision into reality. She's the co-founder of a transformative platform that tackles women's wellness head-on, redefining how we approach health equity in the workplace. With a background that fuses holistic health and innovative leadership, she's building a community where self-care and professional success coexist. Please welcome the incredible Amita Sharma to the Founders Podcast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever wondered how faith, music, and social media could converge to touch the lives of millions? Today, we're diving into the incredible story of a man whose prayers have resonated across TikTok, whose voice has filled concert halls worldwide, and whose compositions inspire worshippers globally. With over 1.3 million TikTok followers, this guest is a social media strategist, award-winning Christian songwriter, and vocal powerhouse. Join us as we explore the journey of David Charles Griffiths, the man redefining faith-based content creation in the digital age. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a small startup into a billion-dollar unicorn? Today's guest has done it not once, not twice, but three times! From scaling teams at Uber, Veho, and Industrious to revolutionising how startups hire with his game-changing "rent-a-recruiter" model, he's helped over 400 founders build their dream teams—faster and smarter. A seasoned venture scaler, newsletter writer, and improvisation-trained girl dad, this founder's journey is filled with lessons for anyone looking to grow. Please welcome to the Founders Podcast, Jake Huber! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine surviving not one, but two near-death experiences and turning those moments into fuel for a life filled with creativity and impact. Today's guest is a master of storytelling, with a staggering 58 Moth StorySLAM victories under his belt and 9 GrandSLAM championships. He's a novelist whose books have been translated into 26 languages, a celebrated humour columnist, a sought-after TEDx speaker, and a teacher who's inspired thousands. Oh, and did I mention he's also a DJ and a minister? From crafting heartwarming tales like Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend to teaching others how to tell stories that change lives, he's done it all. Please welcome the incomparable Matthew Dicks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine being able to walk into any room, talk to any client, and know exactly what to say to make them feel like you truly understand them. What if you could decode human behaviour and use it to build genuine trust, effortlessly? Our guest today has mastered this art and turned it into a science. With a Ph.D. in social work and organisational development, she's not just helping entrepreneurs close deals—she's transforming the way they approach sales entirely. And she's here to share the secrets of The AlikeAbility™ System that's been revolutionising relationships in the sales world. Please welcome the incredible Dr. Nancy Zare Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to build not one, but two award-winning tech products while reshaping industries and championing innovation? Imagine balancing strategic leadership, product vision, and global growth—all while empowering communities.Today, we're joined by a trailblazer whose work has revolutionised food nutrition analysis and field inspection technologies. Her journey spans decades in tech leadership, countless accolades—including “Nutrition Business Leader of the Year”—and a mission to drive meaningful change across industries.Let's give a warm welcome to the incredible Sonia Couto, the powerhouse behind MenuSano and Field Eagle! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the secret to scaling your business lies not in chasing trends but in orchestrating harmony between data, strategy, and creativity? Today's guest has mastered this art. With over a decade leading brands to measurable growth, he's the fractional CMO and CSO that businesses turn to when they need results. From Disney to Kendall-Jackson, his experience spans global giants and nimble startups alike. A keynote speaker, author, and podcast host, he transforms marketing friction into a symphony of success. Please welcome to the Founders Podcast, Angelo Ponzi!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a simple idea into a data-driven revolution for hundreds of brands worldwide? Imagine navigating the complexities of deep-tech startups, e-commerce marketplaces, and data-powered insights—all while coaching the next wave of entrepreneurs. Our guest today is a seasoned entrepreneur and consultant who's driven profit for over 250 brands globally through cutting-edge AI and data solutions. He's founded and scaled companies, launched pioneering services, and led teams to transform customer experiences in more ways than one. Let's welcome the co-founder of Airboxr, Saptarshi Nath! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine taking a company from $5 million to $15 million in just 18 months. Picture transforming a 40-year-old manufacturing firm into a paragon of 98% on-time delivery. Or scaling an internet business that you eventually sell. Most would call these feats impossible without sacrificing work-life balance. But today's guest has proven that not only can you win in business, but you can do it while being a genuinely good person. Award-winning leader, business transformer, and advocate for doing business right—our guest today is Jerry Macnamara. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine having mere minutes to capture an investor's interest and secure life-changing funding for your startup. Many founders crumble under the pressure, but what if there was a secret weapon—a master who's seen it all, crafted over 400 successful pitch decks, and helped raise a staggering $560 million for startups around the world? Today, we dive into the art and science of winning pitch decks with a true expert. Joining us from Kiev, Ukraine, with more than eight years of experience in the startup funding arena, is none other than Sergio Yankovenko. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered what it takes to turn a bold idea into a thriving global business? Our guest today has done it all—from building startups and leading venture studios to coaching founders on how to unleash their true potential. He's been on both sides of the table—investing millions and scraping for funds himself. With two decades of experience in the trenches, he's the go-to guy for navigating the chaos of the startup world. Stick around, because this conversation is about to get real, raw, and absolutely invaluable. Please welcome Vijay Rajendran. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine transforming your life to achieve not only financial success but also genuine fulfilment and balance. What if you could unlock more time, reduce stress, and live with an unstoppable drive? Today, we have an extraordinary guest who has coached countless individuals to redefine what it means to succeed—helping them master their time, leadership, and passion. He's a bestselling author, a powerhouse in performance coaching, and someone who doesn't just talk about change—he lives it. Get ready to dive into an inspiring journey of purpose and potential with none other than Chad Cooper! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine losing a parent at just two years old, facing a near-fatal accident in your twenties, and realising life's path needed a drastic change. Today's guest turned those painful experiences into a powerful drive for self-improvement, crafting a mission to inspire millions worldwide. Now leading a team of 21, hosting a globally ranked podcast with over a million listens, and transforming lives across 170 countries, he's redefined success and fulfilment on his own terms. Join us as we dive into the incredible journey of… Alan Lazaros! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you ready to unlock the secret to skyrocketing your business income? Today, we have a truly inspiring guest, Sheryl Plouffe, co-founder of ICONMAKER®. Sheryl and her team have been transforming the lives of coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs, turning them into industry icons. Frustrated by inconsistent cash flow and being "the best kept secret," these entrepreneurs turn to Sheryl for her expertise in crafting high-ticket programmes that deliver guaranteed results. With over $3 million in client sales since 2023, Sheryl's strategies have propelled businesses to seven-figure successes in just two years or less! Before her entrepreneurial journey, she spent two decades as a Canadian television anchor and executive at The Weather Network. Today, she joins us to share her invaluable insights on scaling businesses and leveraging podcasting to make a significant impact. Let's dive in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does a mother of four manage three thriving brands, design purses, coach other moms, and still find time to farm in the Midwest? Today on the Founders Podcast, we have Rebekah Scott—a true multi-passionate entrepreneur who is not only the mastermind behind a handmade purse empire but also a life coach who helps moms create harmony between business and family. If you're tired of the hustle and want to learn the systems that keep her thriving, you won't want to miss this episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wonder how businesses are skyrocketing their sales using Google Ads? Well, today's guest has helped generate over half a billion dollars in revenue for his clients by mastering the art of digital advertising. Joining us is John Horn, CEO of StubGroup, a Premier Google Partner ranked in the top 1% worldwide for performance and customer care. John has helped more than 2,000 clients across 15,000 campaigns overcome their ad challenges and boost their businesses. Today, we dive into the mind of this digital marketing guru to uncover the strategies that can take your business to the next level. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want to Build a $13 Million Business OnlineToday's guest is the ultimate embodiment of perseverance and action. Once weighing over 300 pounds, Drewbie Wilson transformed his life, shedding over 100 pounds without fad diets or gimmicks. But that's not all—he's a sales juggernaut, generating over $13 million in sales across industries. Drewbie is also the Vice President of a multi-million-dollar consulting firm, a best-selling author, and a personal branding expert. His mottos ‘Call The Damn Leads' and ‘Crush The Day Before It Crushes You' have become life-changing philosophies. Let's dive into how Drewbie continues to crush it in life and business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John C. Morley: Imagine being a serial entrepreneur, engineer, and marketing expert, all while hosting multiple talk shows and serving as a first responder! Today's guest, John C. Morley, doesn't just set goals—he makes promises and delivers on them. With over 107,000 downloads of his podcast Inspirations For Your Life, and a passion for inspiring personal and business growth, John brings an unmatched drive and wealth of knowledge to everything he touches. Buckle up as we explore the mind of a true innovator, dedicated to helping others achieve success! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered how some of the most successful tech companies nail their pricing strategy? Today, we're diving deep into the world of SaaS monetization with none other than James Wilton, a true pricing guru. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Monevate and the former leader of McKinsey's pricing practice for startups, James has spent over 12 years helping businesses unlock their true value through smarter pricing and packaging strategies. Get ready to uncover the secrets behind pricing success that could take your startup to the next level Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wonder what it's like to work with legends before they were household names? Our guest today, Scott Edwards, has been doing just that for over 40 years. He's worked with comedy icons like Jay Leno, Dana Carvey, and Bob Saget, and has built a career as an entrepreneur owning 10+ companies—from comedy clubs to a submarine business in Hawaii. Scott's got stories that will make you laugh, but also teach you valuable lessons about business, marketing, and making it big. Let's dive into the world of comedy, entrepreneurship, and everything in between with the man who's seen it all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine leading innovation for giants like NASA, Comcast, and Doctors Without Borders. Today's guest on Founders Podcast, Nick Jain, is doing just that as the CEO of IdeaScale, the leading innovation software company. From growing up with humble beginnings in India to earning a Harvard MBA, Nick's journey is a remarkable story of transformation across industries—from trucking to software. Tune in as we dive into how Nick turns ideas into reality, shaping the future of business innovation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.