UncleRob, Everybody's Mentor

What if the key to fixing America's broken healthcare system came from outside the system itself? Can we deliver top class care, to working class people as the inalienable right that it should be for everyone?In this episode, Rob sits down with Bismarck Lepe, CEO of MiSalud Health, to talk about why they're going all-in on fixing the $5 Trillion dollar healthcare industry. Bismarck, the child of immigrant farmworkers, lives a story that goes from SoCal to Stanford, to Google and a few big startup successes while never losing connection with his Jalisco, Mexico roots. He is now known as one of Mexico's most iconic entrepreneurial success stories and leaders, and a multiple time former exited founder. We discuss how this bold startup is using technology, talent, and cultural insight to bring better healthcare to underserved communities—especially within the Hispanic population of the United States. From cross-border innovation to nearshore medical care, discover how MiSalud is challenging the status quo and reimagining the future of healthcare in North America.Feel free to follow and engage with BISMARCK here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bismarcklepe/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bismarcklepe/X: https://x.com/bismarcklepeWebsite: https://www.misaludhealth.com/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

This week on Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob, we take a breath—together.In a moment of deep personal reflection and civic unrest here in Los Angeles, I found grounding and perspective through an extraordinary conversation with Councilmember Nithya Raman—an advocate, a leader, and the first South Asian woman elected to LA's City Council in its 245-year history.This episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers dives into some of the most pressing issues facing our city—homelessness, housing, climate change—and the broader implications of how we govern, how we show up for our neighbors, and how we define community. What stood out to me most was the call for more patience, perspective, and humanity—especially in moments of crisis.We recorded this conversation just before ICE raids and peaceful protests reshaped the mood of our city. Though those events weren't discussed in the episode, their shadows linger over every word. And as someone who participated in the protests, I bring that energy into this moment—with pride, concern, and a deep sense of civic responsibility.This isn't just a conversation about policy—it's about who we are, and who we aspire to be.As an Angeleno, a Californian, and a proud American, I believe we can do better. This episode is a reminder of that belief.Watch, listen, reflect—and let's move forward together.#StoppageTimeWithUncleRob #EntrepreneurialThinkers #NithyaRaman #LosAngeles #CivicEngagement

Can local government work for everyone? Can individual citizens like you, make a difference in your neighborhoods and Cities? Can elected officials think differently about a City's challenges and opportunities, to build better? Rob sits down with CouncilPerson Nithya Raman — the first South Asian woman elected to L.A.'s City Council in the City's 245 year history — for a candid, but hopeful and human conversation about the city's biggest challenges: homelessness, housing, and a climate in crisis. Nithya shares how empathy, activism, and bold policy can work together to create real change, while offering practical ways Angelenos can step up and shape their neighborhoods for the better over the long term. Feel free to follow and engage with NITHYA here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cd4losangeles/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nithyaforthecity/X: https://x.com/nithyavramanWebsite: https://cd4.lacity.govWe're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Nithya Raman04:58 Current Challenges in Los Angeles11:36 The Role of Local Government13:33 Balancing Aspirations and Governance20:05 Community Engagement and Local Impact34:12 Housing as a Central Issue39:59 Integrating Housing and Climate Policy46:00 Actionable Steps for Angelenos

This week on Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob, we dive into the messy, complex, and often beautiful truth behind building big things—whether it's billion-user tech platforms or transforming a city the size of a small nation.Inspired by the eye-opening book How Big Things Get Done (recommended by former guest Thomas Logstrup Riebs), Rob reflects on the challenges, trade-offs, and deep human elements behind meaningful progress. These reflections are sparked by his recent conversations with two extraordinary women: tech leader and entrepreneur Sara Hicks, and LA City Councilmember Nithya Raman.What do they have in common? Both have spent their careers working on ambitious, high-impact projects—one in the fast-moving world of startups, and the other in the slow, layered world of governance. And both reveal that despite the different arenas, the underlying truths about building anything worthwhile remain strikingly similar: it's never easy, never perfect, and never just about the end result.If you've ever wondered why important work often takes longer than expected—or how we can still lead with humanity in a world obsessed with scale and speed—this episode will leave you thinking long after the final whistle.

What if the secret to thriving in chaos, while building your company, isn't hustling harder—but leading with purpose? How do you build products to serve billions of users, but not lose sight of their individual humanity?In this deep conversation, Rob sits down with Sara Hicks, leadership coach, author and founder of The Intentional Organization. Together, they unpack the rise of LA's tech economy over the last 30 years, the power of community in entrepreneurship, and how leaders can shift from reactive to intentional. Sara shares her career journey from building a few of the biggest, most successful internet products and companies of all time, to building and selling a successful startup, to now coaching founders and writing about leadership with clarity and compassion. Tune in for practical tools, honest reflections, and a fresh perspective on what it really takes to lead well—especially when things get tough.Feel free to follow and engage with SARA here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saralouhicks/?trk=public_profile_articles_see_allInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/saralouhicks/Website: https://saralouhicks.com/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers04:44 The Evolution of Southern California's Tech Scene13:54 The Importance of Community in Tech20:52 Building Reaction Commerce: A Journey of Innovation29:31 Transitioning from Founder to Coach34:00 Harnessing Technology as a Tool38:48 Building Intentional Organizations40:35 Balancing Creativity and Analytics in Leadership48:16 Intentional Leadership on Bad Days54:51 The RAD Framework for Intentional Leadership

This week, we dive deep into the heart of what drives us, as we reflect on an incredible conversation with returning guest Jessica Bedoya, Founder and Managing Partner of the LARA Fund—a private equity firm focused on infrastructure across Latin America. But this episode is about so much more than just private equity…Jessica's story lit a fire in us. She's a true underdog—young, Latina, and leading in an industry historically dominated by the usual suspects. Her journey sparked a larger reflection on our collective love for underdogs—whether it's Latin America, overlooked markets, or even our beloved, heartbreak-inducing Chicago Cubs.Together, we explore what it means to bet on the underestimated: people, regions, opportunities, and even ourselves. We swap stories from our time in Latin America, dig into what makes her fund different, and connect the dots between personal roots and professional purpose.This isn't just an interview—it's a layered, honest, and thought-provoking ride through identity, leadership, impact, and why rooting for the underdog might just be a calling.So pull up a seat, press play, and stay for the full journey. We promise, this one's worth it.

Think Latin America is too risky to invest in? Think women can't lead in traditional Private Equity? Think again! In this episode Rob sits down with Jessica Bedoya, Founding Managing Partner of the LARA Fund, to reveal why the region is full of such untapped potential, in many countries that most investors regularly overlook. From booming sectors to cultural insights that matter, Jessica shares the real story behind the numbers and the relationships—and what it takes to succeed as both an investor and a trailblazing woman in a male-dominated industry.Feel free to follow and engage with JESSICA here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-l-bedoya-a556941b1X: https://x.com/jessicalbedoyaWebsite: https://larafund.com/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

This week's episode is one of those rare gems that hits deep, challenges your thinking, and leaves you feeling fired up and hopeful.We sit down with Matt Schaar from Accion Venture Labs for a powerful and thought-provoking discussion on the real purpose of capital in today's world. From his unlikely path as a rocket scientist to becoming an impact investor, Matt shares a journey that reminds us all that life isn't linear — it's a winding, purpose-filled adventure.This episode is packed with insights that go beyond business-as-usual. We dig into how venture capital can be a tool for good, not just profit. We talk about leaning into inclusivity in difficult times, the undeniable economic power of women (yes, 40% of truck drivers in Pakistan are women!), and why thinking globally — in every sense — is the future of sustainable entrepreneurship.If you've been feeling the weight of this year, especially as a founder, investor, or leader, this episode might be exactly what you need. Vulnerable, energizing, and full of perspective — it's like an MBA for the soul.Hit play, stay for the whole ride, and let yourself be inspired.

What if venture capital wasn't just about profit, but about people? Does everyone need to raise Venture Capital? Wouldn't you love to invest with purpose? In this episode, Rob sits down with his friend Matt Schaar of Accion Venture Lab, to unpack how investing in underserved communities, around the world, is reshaping the future of finance and how the Accion Group has been leading the way for more than 60 years. From empowering women entrepreneurs to bringing financial tools to the world's overlooked populations, Matt shares his unexpected journey from aerospace to impact investing—and why understanding real human stories is the key to driving real change.Feel free to follow and engage with MATT here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattschaarInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/_schaar_Website: https://www.accion.orgWe're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

In this week's extended Stoppage Time episode, we dive into reflections and fresh takeaways from my fascinating conversation with Scottish entrepreneur Chris Herd — the founder of Firstbase, which was recently acquired by AppDirect after raising millions in venture capital from top-tier firms like Sequoia and Andreessen Horowitz.Joining us from his hometown of Aberdeen, Chris shares powerful insights on the future of remote work, building entrepreneurial ecosystems beyond Silicon Valley, and what it really means for a founder to exit a company. We also take a surprising historical turn, uncovering Scotland's deep and often overlooked influence on the industrial and modern economic world.This is more than just a conversation about startups and remote work — it's a thoughtful, personal, and at times philosophical journey through leadership, legacy, and the evolution of work over the next 50 years.If you're into entrepreneurship, remote-first thinking, or just love hearing from passionate, grounded leaders who think big — this one's for you.So sit back, press play, and stay with me through the full episode — you'll be glad you did. See you every Friday, right here, for more Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob.

What if the next big startup hub isn't in the United States — but in Scotland? Are there lessons to be learned in how to build entrepreneurial ecosystems anywhere, that can be culled from this old, small Port City in far northeastern Scotland. Rob sits down with one of the earliest leaders in “Remote Work” enablement, and arguably one of Scotland's top Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Chris Herd, founder of Firstbase. They explore how a nation known for its deep history, and prior dominance in traditional industries like Shipping and Oil and Gas, might just be on the edge of a modern entrepreneurial breakthrough. From the future of remote work to the cultural mindset shifts needed for innovation, Chris shares bold insights on what it will take to turn Scotland into a global hotspot for startups and the lessons others can take from their story. Whether you're a founder, dreamer, ecosystem builder or just curious about what fuels great innovation — this one's for you.Feel free to follow and engage with CHRIS here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisherdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisherdWebsite: https://www.firstbase.com/Website: https://www.appdirect.comWe're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Welcome back to Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob! This week's episode is a powerful deep dive into the realities of career burnout, rediscovering your purpose, and reshaping your mindset—featuring the brilliant Goli Kalkhoran, founder of Lessons from a Quitter.We unpack three big takeaways from our energizing conversation on Entrepreneurial Thinkers Episode 158, “Quitting Your Career to Save Your Life.” Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, executive, or simply feeling stuck in your current path, this is a conversation you need to hear. Goli shares deeply personal insights about breaking free from a life that no longer fits and taking bold steps toward something better.From learning to stop tolerating the things that drain us, to recognizing that persistent inner itch that might be your next calling, to powerful tools like Thought Swapping and Intentional Thinking—this episode is packed with practical wisdom for navigating uncertainty and realigning with joy and purpose.Goli's story hit home for me in so many ways—especially as someone who made my own career pivot 27+ years ago. Her words are real, relatable, and needed now more than ever in today's chaotic world.If you're ready for a mindset shift, or just need a reminder that you're not alone in your struggles, this is the one to watch. And while I don't have a book rec this week, I do recommend checking out her podcast Lessons from a Quitter. Trust me—whatever your journey looks like right now, there's something here for you.

Do you hate your job? Do you sometimes fantasize about what you'd do with your life if not in the job you have today? What if quitting isn't failing—but finally listening to yourself?In this inspiring, thoughtful episode, Goli Kalkhoran joins Rob to unpack the real story behind walking away from “success.” From leaving a prestigious law career to launching her podcast, “Lessons from a Quitter”, and expanding to build a coaching, course and community business that empowers others, Goli reveals the mindset shifts, cultural struggles, and bold moves that shaped her journey. Together, they challenge the stigma around quitting and explore how embracing entrepreneurship—and your true self—can lead to a more fulfilling life. Whether you're stuck in a job you hate or just curious about what else is out there, this conversation will get you thinking.Feel free to follow and engage with GOLI here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/golikalkhoran/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromaquitter/?hl=esYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessonsfromaquitterWebsite: https://lessonsfromaquitter.com/about/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

In this episode, we unpack powerful insights from Episode 157 of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, featuring Matt Petersen, CEO of LACI (Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator). But this isn't just a recap—it's a passionate, real-world call to action about why cities are the true drivers of climate progress, how the transition to a clean green economy is not just idealistic—but economically inevitable, and why taking responsibility in your own community truly matters.From the grassroots to city halls, from personal anecdotes to political realities, this conversation goes beyond headlines. Uncle Rob ties together the threads of innovation, civic action, and climate urgency—with a dose of hope and a nudge to step up.

What if saving the planet could also save the economy? Is our move to a greener and cleaner planet inevitable, regardless of the politics of any one era? In this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Rob sits down with Matt Petersen, CEO of the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI), and long time leader of Climate policy across the United States, and arguably the world, to talk about how the clean green economy is no longer a choice—it's an inevitable necessity. From rebuilding after our LA wildfires to backing underrepresented founders, Petersen shares how LA is becoming a global hub for clean innovation and investment. Tune in to hear how bold policy, local leadership, and inclusive tech are powering a climate revolution—with real jobs and real impact.Feel free to follow and engage with MATT here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-petersen-0771691/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattspete?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Website: https://laincubator.orgWe're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Hey hey! You might've just noticed us pop up in your audio feed—and we're so glad you did. After releasing 35+ episodes exclusively on YouTube in 2024, Stoppage Time is now available every Friday right here too!Each week, Uncle Rob shares his raw, real-time reflections on the world around us—connecting stories from the Entrepreneurial Thinkers series, unpacking current events, and diving deep into what it means to think more entrepreneurially in life and work.This episode kicks off a fresh chapter—with new sponsors, new opportunities, and a whole lot of heart. We're excited to welcome our Community Champion Sponsors and give you the chance to get to know them, just like you've gotten to know our amazing guests.Listen in, stay inspired, and let's build something meaningful together.

Do you know where Spotify was created? Do you know how much innovative technology comes from Northern Europe? What happens when Nordic innovation meets the fast-paced world of U.S. entrepreneurship? In this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Rob sits down with Thomas Logstrup Riebs, the Los Angeles based partner at Traksjon, the expansion agency of record, helping Nordic and European companies and innovators expand to the largest markets in the United States.They unpack the mindset that fuels success across borders. From navigating cultural and political shocks to seizing opportunities in Southern California's booming economy, Thomas shares his own personal journey from Denmark to Los Angeles — and the lessons he's learned along the way. Whether you're an entrepreneur or executive eyeing international growth or just love a good story about risk, resilience, and reinvention, this conversation is packed with sharp insights, real-world examples, and a refreshing take on what it really takes to thrive in the U.S. market.Feel free to follow and engage with THOMAS here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasriebs/Website: https://traksjon.aveltsagency.com/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

After a much-needed 6-week hiatus, Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob returns—and not just with a show, but with purpose, perspective, and a renewed sense of direction. In this powerful comeback episode, Uncle Rob opens up with real talk about what's been going on behind the scenes: from the harsh realities of the start of 2025, wildfires in LA, the state of our democracy, to the very real grind of trying to build a stable business out of passion and podcasting.This episode isn't just a welcome back—it's a reflection, a reset, and a rally cry. Rob dives deep into the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the behind-the-curtain moments that led to this return. With a clearer plan, stronger team dynamics, and the support of generous sponsors, this is the beginning of a new chapter for the show, the Entrepreneurial Thinkers community, and Rob himself.If you've ever hit pause on your dreams to regroup, if you've ever tried to build the plane while flying it—this one's for you.Thanks for riding with us. Your support truly means the world.Hit play, stay with us ‘til the end, and we'll see you next week.

Can VR help rebuild neurons and slow dementia? Can technology be used to supplement our humanity instead of replacing it in the age of Ai? In this episode, Rob sits down with Jack Abbott, Chief Resilience Officer at ReviveXR and Chief Joy Advocate at Made For Joy from San Diego, to explore the entrepreneurial thinking of “Joy” in our industries and lives. They explore how technologies like VR and AI are revolutionizing the market for recuperative therapeutics and emotional wellness. Jack opens up about his personal journey—navigating political angst, finding solace through his Mexican rescue dog, Lola, and rediscovering the power of gratitude in transforming his outlook on life. Together, they discuss how these lessons extend beyond our personal lives, into shaping innovative approaches to Senior Care and Employee Wellness through VR at Revive XR.From Jack's heartfelt stories about his mother's experiences with virtual reality to practical tips for creating joy and connection in everyday life, this conversation uncovers how technology can be used to strengthen emotional bonds and foster genuine relationships. They also touch on the ripple effects of incorporating gratitude and emotional resilience in the workplace, offering a fresh perspective on how businesses can thrive while making a positive impact on society.This episode is a reminder that even in a fast-paced, tech-driven world, joy and human connection remain at the heart of what truly matters.Feel free to follow and engage with JACK here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cinch44/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforjoyxr Website: https://www.madeforjoy.life/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Is it still important to be awake or “Woke” to cultural changes? Do you think you're an entrepreneurial thinker? Hint; Rob thinks you are and tells you how to become one! Have you ever wanted to know more about Rob and his story? Well, nearly five years, hundreds of episodes, and a mission that's more relevant than ever—Rob shares what it takes to keep amplifying the voices that matter most? In this special anniversary episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, we reflect on the journey so far: celebrating the diversity of our guests, the industries we've explored, and the milestones that have shaped us. Rob dives into the "why" behind the show, the validation of its mission in today's chaotic world, and the exciting expansion into studio production services to amplify even more stories for brands, companies or organizations striving to tell their stories in positive, human ways. Feel free to follow and engage with ROB here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robryan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamrobryan/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@iamrobryanWe're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Will the United States survive a MAGA Takeover? Are you worried about President Trump's manufactured trade war with Mexico and Canada? Can the relationships between these three long time North American allies, survive this moment in history? Tariffs, political strategies, and a media revolution in how and where we source our information, are reshaping our world in real time, can we keep up?This conversation with great friend of the show, Alex Gonzalez Ormerod, explore how these forces are rapidly shaping the future of North America? In this thought-provoking episode, Rob and Alex, Owner of the hugely valuable newsletter, The Mexico Political Economist, take a deep dive, from his perspective across the border, into the complex dynamics of trade, the evolving role of independent journalism, and the challenges of public accountability across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. From the ripple effects of economic policies to the strategic maneuvers of political leaders, they explore how these interconnected elements are transforming industries, public perception, and regional relationships in a rapidly changing world.Feel free to follow and engage with ALEX here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-gonzález-ormerod-681433b2/?originalSubdomain=mxTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexgonzor?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcX: https://twitter.com/alexgonzor?lang=enWebsite: https://open.substack.com/pub/mxpolec?r=ytty&utm_medium=iosWebsite: https://restofworld.org/author/alex-gonzalez-ormerod/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Can we build growth companies in traditional industries? Can technology & the construction industry come together to build a better America? What happens when Josh flips the script to ask Rob some questions? In this episode, Rob and Joshua Ogundu, Founder & Head of Product at Tradeway Tech have a high energy optimistic discussion of the transformative potential of treating the traditional “trades” as entrepreneurial opportunities. Josh brings his Midwestern work ethic, empathy and professional experiences, having led product at innovative big tech companies like TikTok, to founding venture backed startups like CampFire, and now leveraging technology to revolutionize the construction industry! From fostering curiosity and creativity, to discussing how legacy industries can thrive in a tech-driven world, Josh brings his boundless energy and pragmatic insights on community engagement, storytelling, and the unique entrepreneurial spirit of Los Angeles to bear on this conversation between friends. Feel free to follow and engage with JOSHUA here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-ogundu-b92b835b Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josh_ogundu X: https://x.com/JoshuaOgundu Website: https://tradesaretheway.com/ We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

What if your favorite indulgence could also be your healthiest choice? Do you ever wonder how your favorite food products make it to your grocery shelves? In this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Rob dives into the inspiring story of Diogo Valente and Tiago Rebelo, founders of Swee Creamery—a vegan ice cream brand born in Portugal during the pandemic, selling successfully now in US grocers in your city. From a serendipitous meeting at the gym, to navigating the globally hyper- competitive CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) market, to trusted friends now, these two young men share how they've built a brand that prioritizes great flavor, consumer engagement, and strategic growth of community through social media. They talk about their sharing of their life stories with their community, and their love for great products and loyal customers, as well as their open ambitions to breakthrough to great success in the US market! Tune in to discover their insights on breaking into the U.S. market, the power of partnerships, and their advice for standing out in saturated industries. Feel free to follow and engage with DIOGO and TIAGO here: LinkedIn Diogo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diogov/ LinkedIn Tiago: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-rebelo-893021156/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swee.portugal/ Website: https://sweecreamery.com/en We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Diverse fund teams are more profitable! Do you believe diversifying the venture capital investment industry actually creates better investment returns? Hint, it does! In this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Rob sits down with Megan Stevenson-Krausz, co-CEO of Diversity VC, a unique non-profit organization helping its VC Firm members worldwide, to uncover why diversity isn't just a moral imperative but a business and profit advantage. From redefining equity in venture capital to balancing meritocracy with inclusion, they discuss practical strategies for creating more diverse investment teams. Megan shares her insights on cultural nuances, intersectional diversity in Latin America and globally, and shares specific stories on how Diversity VC is helping funds transform their approach to equity. Tune in to explore the intersection of opportunity, representation, and innovation. Feel free to follow and engage with MEGHAN here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghansk/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/meghan_sk/ X: https://x.com/meghan_sk?lang=en Website: https://diversity.vc We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

What happens when entrepreneurial thinking meets social justice? Can you imagine collaborating with the people you like the least? In this episode, Rob sits down with the dynamic leader, Nisha Anand, CEO of Dream.org, to explore her journey from punk rock protester to social justice executive of a National organization, where she bridges divides across a wide array of social and societal issues everyday. They explore her own rich life experiences, which shaped who she is, and led her almost instinctively, though serendipitously, into these innovative ways to tackle the biggest challenges and opportunities of our times; climate change, mass incarceration, and economic inequality. Discover how curiosity, empathy, equity, and collaboration can shape a brighter future for everyone. Feel free to follow and engage with NISHA here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nisha-m-anand/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nishamanand/ X: https://x.com/nishamanand Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nisha.anand.31 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRHuDs9NUk_cRgEEyehdHMKOihFJtTbZt Website: https://www.nishaanand.org Business Website: https://dream.org We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Do you know what a Family Office is? What do family offices, blockchain, and Hollywood investors have in common? Robert Mowry joins Rob on this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers to discuss the dynamic intersection of venture capital, technology, and LA's uniquely diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem. The two discuss inequities in funding for women and under-supported founders and emerging VC's, explore new technologies like Ai, Blockchain and Crypto, and discuss how athletes and entertainers are reshaping the startup investment markets. Robert is a deeply experienced Investor, Family Officer operator, teacher, Community Leader and regular media contributor on these topics and more. He shares stories of his Southern California upbringing, his deep relationship networks that span the State of California from South to North and how his life crosses over between the startup, entertainment and professional athletic worlds. This episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Feel free to follow and engage with ROBERT here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/defi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laeconclub/ X: https://x.com/robertmowry Website: https://www.robertmowry.com/ We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

As we close out 2024—a year of growth, challenges, and opportunities—we're sharing this special holiday episode as our heartfelt gift to you. From the wisdom of our incredible guests to personal stories and actionable insights, we explore four essential themes for all entrepreneurial thinkers no matter where you are in your business, career or life journey: ✨ Community: The people who support and inspire us.

Do you want to be more of an entrepreneurial thinker? Do you love learning from experienced leaders? Are you someone who works in the entrepreneurial industry and want to learn how to grow your local community? In this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Rob sits down with Andy Wilson, the (recently departed) Executive Director of the Alliance for SoCal Innovation, and one of Los Angeles' longest tenured, most respected business and community leaders, to discuss how entrepreneurial thinking can be a game-changer for industries, communities, and economies. He shares insights from his 30+ years of experience across both the public and private sectors and looks forward toward his next professional challenge. They unpack the importance of optimism, collaboration, and diversity in building sustainable ecosystems that empower entrepreneurs. They explore the challenges of consensus-building in politics, the roles of universities and government in fostering innovation, and actionable strategies for creating meaningful professional networks. If you're ready to learn how to be a world class entrepreneurial thinker, while driving progress in your career or community, don't miss this insightful conversation! Feel free to follow and engage with ANDY here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andywilsoninnovator/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app X: https://x.com/andywilsonsocal Website: https://alliancesocal.org We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

What would you choose- Life saving drugs that would extend your life, but leave your family overwhelmed with debt, or death? Is anyone obsessed with enabling a world where life saving drugs and therapies are readily, affordably accessible to everyone who needs them? In this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Rob Ryan sits down with DJ White, founder and CEO of Cytodyme, a San Diego based software company, to unpack the inefficiencies in the biotech and Pharma industries, and the transformative potential of automation in the industry, to lower costs and create better patient outcomes! DJ shares his personal journey as a once aspiring “real life Indiana Jones” historian-turned- gene therapy researcher to biotech industry entrepreneur, and how his path today was fueled by a tragic personal loss. DJ shares powerful insights into innovating in an industry that touches nearly all our lives at some point. Discover how he's reshaping the path from lab to patient, the promise of virtual biotech, and lessons every entrepreneur can take to heart. Feel free to follow and engage with DJ here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dewhite414/ Website: https://www.cytodyme.com We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Do Mexican VC's have to chase “unicorns” to be successful, like their US peers? What industries are ripe for reinvention in Mexico and Latin America? Are you an institutional investor seeking greater returns on better valued deal flow? This is an episode you don't want to miss. Rob and Alejandro Gonzalez, Managing Partner at Redwood Ventures and Santatera Capital talk about playing the Venture Capital game, their way! Ale, a long time friend and former client of Rob's prior company, sit down to discuss their newly announced, ground-breaking strategic partnership with SeedStars, as well as their firms growth, their vision for the coming Latino opportunity in North America, and the evolution of Mexico's startup ecosystem through it's pandemic hyper-acceleration and great reset. They discuss the impact of cultural heritage on emerging markets, and the bold strategies shaping the future of VC in their view. Across their multiple Funds affiliated with Redwood, Alejandro explores investments in everything from food innovation, CPG, Sports, technology and services investments in the US and Latin America. This episode explores untapped opportunities, investor insights, and a few great success stories you can't miss! Feel free to follow and engage with ALEJANDRO here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-redwood/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alejandro_gonal?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D Website: https://www.redwood.ventures We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Do you want to know how the most progressive modern investors think? Do you worry about the cultural barriers preventing more diverse entrepreneurs from success? Do you want to know how to pursue your own highest potential? Rob sits down with his friend Qiana Patterson; Venture Investor, Advisor, Educator, Yoga Practitioner, Mentor and Problem Solver, to discuss her life philosophies shaped by her considerable life experiences. It's an inspiring journey from teacher to technology to investment and to whatever comes next in her pursuit of her best potential. Together, they explore the power of creative capital, the role of women in finance, and how amplifying underrepresented voices can reshape communities. From Los Angeles' vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem to actionable strategies for inclusivity, this conversation is packed with insights on turning challenges into opportunities for lasting impact. Feel free to follow and engage with QIANA here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/qianapatterson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qianaqiana/ Website: https://nayahstudio.com/ We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Have you ever stopped to observe “how you feel” when you're outside? Do you consider yourself a City Person or an Outdoorsy type? Have you ever met an entrepreneur who is turning the outdoors into an experiential education business? If you listen to this- you will meet one of the best! In this episode, Rob enjoys a really thought-provoking conversation with Yvonne Leow, Founder and CEO of Bewilder, an Outdoor Education company, built by this former journalist turned Outdoors innovator. She poetically leads us to a better understanding of the evolving relationship between city living and nature as well as the importance of designing intentionally diverse and more accessible programming. From breaking down misconceptions about outdoor activities to addressing the cultural shifts impacting our connection to nature, they explore how to engage families, students, foster inclusivity, and embrace personal responsibility in the outdoor space. Yvonne's 0-100mph journey from self defined city girl from Seattle, to outdoor advocate, offers personal inspiration and practical steps for reconnecting with the world beyond our screens. Treat yourself to this conversation- maybe while outside on a walk or hike. Feel free to follow and engage with YVONNE here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonnetleow/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yvonneleow/ X: https://x.com/yvonneleow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Yvonne-Leow/ Website: https://www.yvonneleow.com Business Website: https://www.bewilder.club Medium: https://medium.com/@yvonneleow We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Are local independent pharmacies better than Big Corporate pharmacies? Have you ever thought about the amount of medications that go to waste every night at your pharmacy? Do you know how your prescription drugs make it to you? Or how your pharmacists make money? Or how your pharmacist is an entrepreneur! In the United States' terribly fragmented, complicated healthcare system, pharmacies are often “the place” where we consumers meet our healthcare, so Rob and Amantha Bagdon, founder of RXPost, try to help you understand how it works and why they matter in your life and local economy. She is on a mission to revolutionize pharmacy management through RxPost, and thus create better healthcare outcomes for patients, and better businesses for the entrepreneurial pharmacist owners. She shares the challenges pharmacies face, the crucial role of technology in healthcare's future via companies like RxPost, and her own amazing journey from pharmacy technician to CEO/Founder of a startup. From inventory innovations to calls for transparency, this conversation uncovers the urgent need for reform and the irreplaceable role of community pharmacies as community health hubs and our personalized healthcare. Feel free to follow and engage with Amantha here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthabagdon/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanthaduh/ X: https://x.com/Amanthaduh Website: https://rx-post.com We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Can you be a successful entrepreneur alone? Do you want to learn how the greatest founders in the world leverage their communities? In this episode, Rob is joined by his LA neighbor, Justin Gordon, Founder at Village Lane and Just Go Grind. The two talk about the importance of entrepreneurial experimentation, of his own creativity and about “Community”, the buzzy tech industry word, that everyone loves to talk about. He highlights the rapidly shifting landscape of entrepreneurship and how community and storytelling are reshaping the way founders and investors build and grow their businesses and their brands. In this conversation Justin shows himself to be a true entrepreneurial thinker, in how he makes decisions about his own career path, as well as his journey through Venture Capital and now Media. Discover practical strategies for creating supportive networks and navigating today's entrepreneurial ecosystem that you can apply to your work right after listening. Feel free to follow and engage with JUSTIN here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincharlesgordon/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justingordon8/ X: https://x.com/justingordon212 Website: https://villagelane.io Join Just Go Grind Podcast: Website: https://www.justgogrind.com Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/just-go-grind/id1397036566 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2brgfQPQQiBiFlAI8sJblD YouTube: https://youtube.com/@justingordon212?si=NFVLNNTy2FPEfpFc X: https://x.com/justgogrind?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justgogrind/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/justgogrind/ We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Do you believe one person can make a difference? Do you understand what the “New Majority” economy or “Care Economy” are? Do you think we need more equitable economies and communities? Rob gets really fired up by this conversation with the unstoppable force that is Erika Lucas, a long time Economic Development leader, Investor and founder of Stitch Crew, Vest and Vest/Her from her great state of Oklahoma. They unpack the politics and policy of how our current economic inequities were created by systems and institutions over the last 45 years, and explore how Private Capital Investment and Venture capital done differently can drive real change for women and “new majority” entrepreneurs aross the country. From peer networks to policy reform, Erika shares her own inspiring story, and what it really takes to create lasting, inclusive economic growth and offers practical steps for entrepreneurs to leverage the power of their voice and their communities. Feel free to follow and engage with ERIKA here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-lucas-51207911/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erika_lucas07 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@erika_lucas7 Instagram Business: https://www.instagram.com/vesther_inc Instagram Business: https://www.instagram.com/stitchcrew Website: https://www.erikalucas.co Business: https://www.vesther.co Business: https://www.stitchcrew.com Vest Her Podcast: https://www.erikalucas.co/podcast We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Do you ever think about the people who make the clothes you wear? Would you pay more, for better quality clothing that is made by better paid people? In this episode, Rob visits with a true South Central Los Angeles Hometown Hero, Guadalupe Tlatenchi, Founder and CEO of GTLA Apparel and the brand Loopé. They explore the history, opportunities and challenges of Los Angeles' garment and fashion industry. Guadalupe shares her unique insights into the realities faced by garment workers, the rise of sustainable practices, and her own amazing entrepreneurial journey as a young woman growing up here in LA—offering insights for those looking to build meaningful, ethical brands in a fast-paced, ever changing industry. Feel free to follow and engage with GUADALUPE here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guadalupe-tlatenchi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loop.de.lupe/ Business: https://www.gtlaapparel.com Business: https://www.loopdelupe.com We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Can non-salespeople become good salespeople? Can you succeed in growing your business without being good at selling? In this episode, Rob Ryan chats with Chris Stock, CEO of SalesMD, about how ethical sales practices are reshaping the nearly $20 billion a year medical wellness industry. They also discuss his early career at IBM, and how some historic sales best practices are just as applicable today. From big corporate sales, to traveling the world coaching big global brands and now to helping small businesses thrive in the MedSpa and Wellness industry, Chris dives into the importance of building relationships, overcoming sales challenges, and improving lead conversion rates for his clients. Tune in to share in Chris's wisdom and his practical tips and career advice that every aspiring salesperson or entrepreneur can use. Feel free to follow and engage with CHRIS here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisstockmba/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salesmd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBI8_smtB1_p9yHghoGiASg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salesmdusa Website: https://www.salesmd.com We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

How do you build non-traditional entrepreneurial communities? How do you make an impact in your community, regardless of your resources? Isn't it a good idea for us to invest in more small businesses and less traditional entrepreneurs? In this episode, Rob sits down with Marie Rocha, founder of Realist Ventures, from Stamford, Connecticut. Marie is a beacon for anyone trying to build an entrepreneurial economy in a secondary market, anywhere in the world. Her leadership in supporting under-supported entrepreneurs has gained her a national reputation and following. Marie helps us uncover the power of mentorship in her community-building, empathy, and the importance of leveraging real life data in supporting underrepresented founders everywhere. From the challenges in Connecticut's entrepreneurial landscape, in the shadows of New York City, to the opportunities ahead, Marie shares her insights on applying her own entrepreneurial thinking to create more equitable opportunities through collaboration, mentorship, and customer connection. Feel free to follow and engage with MARIE here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marierocha/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my.dailyposts/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyDailyPosts Website: https://www.realistventures.com We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Can investing in our Oceans save our Planet? Have you ever heard of the Blue Economy? Do you know how much of the carbon we create or heat we create, gets absorbed by the ocean? Have you ever seen the “Colossal Squid”?- because our guest is on a lifelong mission to find it and film it in it's natural environment. The ocean covers 70% of the planet, but very little of our historic innovations in energy or technology comes from our Oceans. Matt Mulrennan, Director of Investments at the Sustainable Ocean Alliance and it's sister Fund, Seabird Ventures joins Rob to go deep into the emerging field of ocean investing and how sustainable solutions are shaping the blue economy alongside our fast growing “Green Economy.” Matt teaches a masterclass on some incredible data and history, of mammals, other ocean species, the importance of the ocean in our climate crisis, the massive value of the Ocean in our economy, and his own career arc from Expeditionary researcher to Ocean-Blue Economy investor. He tells a few stories of adventurous expeditions he's led in marine preservation across some of the earths most remote places, such as Antarctica, while educating us on the ocean's role in climate regulation and food production. He teaches us that the ocean's impact on our lives and our economies is massive, yet it's just beginning to be explored as an investment frontier. Discover the collaborative efforts driving this new economy and why Los Angeles, California may be its next hub. Feel free to follow and engage with MATT here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-mulrennan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mulrennan4/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matt.huelsenbeck/ Medium: https://medium.com/@matt.mulrennan Website: https://www.kolossal.org We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Do you ever think about how your cup of coffee makes it into your hands? Can you imagine getting your product idea into the biggest retailers in the world? Or building a new product business in a market with 10's of thousands of competitors? In this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Gefen Skolnick, founder of Couplet Coffee from here in Los Angeles, California, reveals how she's rewriting the rules of the CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) world with boldness, inclusivity, and authenticity. From navigating the challenges of scaling a brand, to staying true to its roots, Gefen shares the realities of building a coffee empire and offers invaluable advice for entrepreneurs ready to blaze their own trail. Don't miss this deep dive into diversity, creativity, reinvention, and what it takes to succeed in a really competitive industry. Feel free to follow and engage with GEFEN here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gefenskolnick/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gefensk/ Twitter: https://x.com/gefensk Website: https://coupletcoffee.com We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Can Venture Investment into more diverse founders, in more diverse neighborhoods yield better ROI? Can a Venture Firm become “the” community resource for entrepreneurs in a City? In this episode, Rob and Miki Reynolds sit down to explore and answer these questions! Miki is an incomparable Los Angeles entrepreneurial thinker, and now Head of Programs at Slauson & Co, which is a dynamic young and very intentionally inclusive venture firm based in LA. These two friends explore the urgent need for diversity in the startup world and how the industry continues to evolve. Miki highlights how important “the Company We Keep” is to the founder journey. From breaking barriers for underrepresented founders to reimagining venture capital, Miki shares actionable insights on building a more inclusive ecosystem. Plus, don't miss the big, exciting announcement of Slauson & Co's latest Fund and the return of their expanded accelerator, Family & Friends program! Feel free to follow and engage with MIKI here: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikireynolds/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikster/?hl=es X: https://x.com/mikster Website: http://www.mikireynolds.com Website: https://www.slauson.co We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Yes, we can… but the how, and how you fit in, will surprise you! Can conversations between people who disagree, shift the tide for our human survival on earth? In this episode, Rob sits down with Asher Jay, founder and CEO of Henoscene, to passionately explore the urgent and complex challenges of climate change and species extinction, including our human species. They discuss the realities of our lack of transparency socially, our own insecurities and our instinctive desire to only look out for our own narrow interests, even at the expense of our ability to survive. They dive into the critical role of personal responsibility, and the ethical use of technology in tackling these issues. Asher shares her belief in the power of open dialogue and simple actions to inspire collective change. Tune in for a really compelling discussion on hope, responsibility, and the interconnectedness of our world. Feel free to follow and engage with ASHER here: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/asherjay/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earthheiress/ X: https://x.com/earthheiress Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EarthHeiress/ Website: https://www.henoscene.com Personal Website: http://www.asherjay.com/the-work We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Have you wondered if you or your company needs a “Chief of Staff?” Are you curious about what a great Chief of Staff really is? Melanie Jones, the CEO of the ArlanWasHere Company and Founder of “Elevation, Chief of Staff Training”, joins Rob to dive into her own curiosity and willingness to ask more questions, which has led her evolution as an “entrepreneurial thinker” throughout her career. She shares why she's so motivated by aligned leadership, Diversity, Representation and different folks seeing themselves in leadership! Melanie shares stories of the amazing business she has helped Arlan Hamilton to build in the last few years, and very specifically teaches us about the evolving role of the chief of staff, emphasizing the importance of clarity and diversity of thought in business leadership. Plus, hear how her groundbreaking certification program is setting a new standard for aspiring operators. Feel free to follow and engage with MELANIE here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniejonestx/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xomelaniejones/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@xomelaniejones Instagram Business: https://www.instagram.com/chiefofstafftraining/ Website: https://elevationchiefofstaff.com We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

How well would you do, if you got off a plane, in a Country you'd never been, with some cash in your pocket, no cultural context and no friends? Could you build a million dollar business in those conditions? Carol Shih, a Proud Taiwanese-Australian-American and successful founder of Qode Space, did exactly this! Carol is a literal “Amazing Woman in E-Commerce” award winner, in a field dominated by white men. This episodic conversation with Rob reveals her deeply experienced insights on Asian entrepreneurial and family culture in the US and specifically, in Los Angeles, as well as the “moment” that Asian culture and products are having in a changing American market. They also dive into her personal immigration journey as a Taiwanese woman, moving to Los Angeles for University at age 19, then learning how to become the resilient, self sufficient woman, entrepreneur and mom that she is today! Carol parlayed her global experiences at Alibaba, eventually leading her to build Qode Space, and become part of the Brand Agency, Major Futures, and it's new extension, “Major Asians”, a network community empowering Asian entrepreneurs and business people. The two discuss the power of storytelling, the art of saying yes, and the crucial role of self-awareness in leadership. Tune in for an insightful conversation on how to thrive in tech and beyond. Feel free to follow and engage with CAROL here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shihcarol/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karolz/?hl=en Threads: https://www.threads.net/@karolz Website: https://qodespace.com We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

This week, we're turning the tables on Rob, for a special episode. In the Opening you'll hear Rob mention private links & “investors only”, but be assured you are now allowed full access to this special conversation, which was originally only privately recorded. Rob is interviewed by Will Stringer, our Lead Investor, to discuss how easy it is to invest in Rob and his new media production company. You can listen here to learn more, and when curious, you can click this easy link to learn even more detail and invest from as little to $100 USD to as much as suits you: https://wefunder.com/robryan1 Will and Rob discuss why he's building this media production business. Why he is making the capital raise available to everyone in his community**.** Why Will wrote the first check to invest into Rob and his vision. What our initial media products are, how the business makes money, and how you get your invested monies returned plus share in future equity growth and upside for the long term and finally, how simple it is, for you to literally invest online, via our WeFunder campaign. You can now invest alongside Rob, Will and everyone else into this exciting new media company and you'll get a voice in shaping the next decade plus of great human entrepreneurial storytelling, in your community and beyond! https://wefunder.com/robryan1 If you have more questions, or want to talk directly with either Rob or Will, you can reach out to them via email: Rob Ryan: robryan@storytellerscompany.com Will Stringer: will@inspirr.io or will@chisos.io SPECIAL EPISODE 128 LEGAL DISCLAIMER: We are 'testing the waters' to gauge investor interest in an offering under Regulation Crowdfunding. No money or other consideration is being solicited. If sent, it will not be accepted. No offer to buy securities will be accepted. No part of the purchase price will be received until a Form C is filed and only through Wefunder's platform. Any indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment of any kind. We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Do you struggle to share your message clearly? Do you wonder how we tackle society's most complex communication problems? Michelle O'Grady Caballero, founder and CEO of Team Friday, joins Rob on this episode to unpack these questions and many more. She shares how innovative storytelling and diverse perspectives can revolutionize marketing and communications, while shaping public policy in the 21st century. The two explore how Team Friday crafts cross-cultural campaigns for clients ranging from corporate giants like Whole Foods to massive government agencies like the City of Los Angeles, to community-focused organizations like The California Endowment and others. Learn the secrets behind creating genuine connections with communities and the impact of inclusive storytelling on community engagement. Michelle shares invaluable insights into how brands can not only resonate with diverse communities but also drive sustainable change. Tune in to explore how curiosity and collaboration can unlock new possibilities across industries and make a real difference. Feel free to follow and engage with MICHELLE here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleogrady Website: https://www.teamfriday.la/ We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

How did a casual breakfast meet-up transform into a thriving tech community? How did a junior lawyer become the King of Early Morning technology industry networking? After all wouldn't you rather meet with great like minded people to start your day than at booze fueled happy hours? In this episode, Rob and Morgan Barrett dive into the origins of the Tech Breakfast Club, from its humble beginnings, inspired by a summer in LA, to its expansion into major cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and beyond. Morgan also shares his journey into the tech startup world, discusses common legal hurdles founders face, and explores the shifting landscape of venture capital. Plus, get insider tips on setting up your startup and why giving back is crucial for entrepreneurial success. Don't miss this enlightening fun conversation packed with actionable insights!

Adela encourages us all to bet on what we want the future to look like! She reminds us that exponential change is sometimes as simple as inviting one more friend along the way, and she forces us to explore the reality that thinking differently is the most obvious key to unlocking great investment returns, not groupthink. In this really thought-provoking episode, Rob and Adela Jamal, Managing Partner at MileMark Capital, dig deep into the crucial role of diversity and inclusion in the entrepreneurial economy, in Los Angeles, and globally. Adela brings every bit of her own diverse life experience and cultural perspective, to the pursuit of sustained change in the Venture industry and Entrepreneurial Economy. Together they explore the pressing need for more women and women of color in investment capital and leadership roles, highlighting how diverse teams drive innovation and yield greater returns. Adela shares tactical steps to address investment inequities, such as increasing female fund managers and creating mentorship opportunities. With insights from MileMark Capital, a venture capital firm rooted in the MIT ecosystem, this conversation sheds light on the power of capital allocation to solve real-world problems and disrupt sectors like health tech, ag tech, and biomaterials. Tune in to hear Adela's inspiring journey and her work with All Raise, an organization supporting female and non-binary funders and founders, as she provides actionable advice for breaking into venture capital. Feel free to follow and engage with ADELA here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelajamal/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adela.jamal X: https://twitter.com/adelajamal Website: https://www.milemark.capital We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Can you learn how to be a better leader? Hint; Yes, you can! Is it time for an entirely new leadership paradigm? Are new women leaders, leading the NWSL and WNBA to a period of historic and sustained growth? In this episode, Rob sits down with the incomparable Robyn Ward, from here in Los Angeles, for a super joyful conversation, and they deeply and widely explore the transformative power of conscious leadership frameworks. They delve into the evolution from traditional management styles to a more present and flexible approach, highlighting the importance of somatic intelligence and the eight C's framework. Robyn shares her journey from proudly growing up in Indiana, to Los Angeles, her life as a Mom, entrepreneur, venture capitalist and now leadership coach. She shares the inside story of becoming a key relationship catalyst and investor in the Angel City Football Club, and her unique insights into the rise of women's sports in the NWSL and WNBA and their impact on business and community engagement beyond the game. This conversation uncovers the significance of representation, the need for diversity in technology and entrepreneurship, and the profound influence of parenthood on personal growth and leadership. Join us for a compelling discussion that bridges business, sports, and personal transformation. Sign Up to Her Newsletter Here: http://founderforward.com/newsletter-signup Feel free to follow and engage with ROBYN here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynmward/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynmward?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Website: https://www.robynmward.com Website: https://founderforward.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/founderforward/ We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Will a Circular clothing industry save the planet? (and fuel our economies) Can we change consumer behaviors to create an easier, less expensive and more environmentally sustainable life for families and the planet? Well, Lauren Gregor, founder and CEO of Rent-a-Romper, believes so, and joins us to answer those questions. She shares her fierce competitive spirit and love for her member community. Lauren gives us insight into her broader perspectives on her career interests-education and logistics… plus her uniquely inspiring leap from teaching in the Bronx, to public policy advisor in the 2nd largest Public School district in the US, in Los Angeles, to now leading an eco-friendly circular clothing revolution. Discover the obvious genius behind renting children's clothes, slashing waste, and saving money, all while fostering a supportive, sustainable community of families. Better understand the world of circular fashion and its ripple effects on our environment, economy, and the way we raise our kids. This episode is a fresh take on fashion that's as kind to your wallet as it is to the Earth! Feel free to follow and engage with LAUREN here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurengregor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurengregor/ Website: https://rentaromper.com We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Are you curious how to build a socially responsible, sustainable food company- and expand it globally?! Have you ever wondered how to take locally farmed, healthy, cocoa from Colombia to Spain to Iceland and beyond? Well, our Guest Juan Carlos Garavito, tells us how he's reinventing the entire supply chain and business model of cocoa and chocolate production. Dive into this fascinating conversation with Juan Carlos, the visionary co-founder of Moxe Foods, and Rob on their late-night conversation between Madrid, Spain and Los Angeles. In this episode, we also explore comparisons of the European and Latin American entrepreneurial economies, navigating the challenges of the food industry, harnessing the cultural significance of chocolate, and Juan's own personal journey as an entrepreneurial thinker. Learn the importance of social responsibility, and the power of adapting to a changing world. Feel free to follow and engage with JUAN CARLOS here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juancgaravito/ X: https://x.com/garavito_jc?lang=en Website: https://moxefoods.com We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.