Podcasts about founding story

In this bonus episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, our Editor, Caitlin Bricker, sits down with Ashley Waldman, founder of Jubilee's, a groundbreaking line of flavored milk for kids made with real fruit, hidden vegetables, high protein, and zero added sugar.Jubilee's just won the "Ones to Watch" lightning pitch competition at Beverage Forum!In this episode, Ashley shares the personal story that inspired the brand's creation, including her experience as a parent of a child with autism and her frustration with the lack of nutritious, low-sugar beverage options for children. From working with a professional formulator to pioneering a new approach to sweetening milk with fruits and vegetables, Ashley provides a transparent look into the product development process, the health implications of added sugar, and the early wins that are propelling Jubilee's into retail spaces and onto Amazon.They also explore broader industry trends, the rise of functional and clean-label products, and practical advice for emerging founders in the CPG space.What are you waiting for? Listen now!Listen in as they share about:Founding Story of Jubilee'sProduct Formulation & InnovationParenting & Health ConsciousnessConsumer Trends & Health CultureMarketing & DistributionClean Label & Ingredient AwarenessFounder AdviceEpisode Links:Website: https://drinkjubilees.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyverrill/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics

Colin McIntosh, founder and CEO of Sheets and Giggles, discussed his journey from being laid off in 2017 to launching a sustainable bedding brand in 2018. Sheets and Giggles, which uses eucalyptus fabric, achieved its first million-dollar month in November 2020. Colin also shared his side project, Sheets Resume, which helps people with resume reviews and AI-driven advice. He emphasized the importance of customer experience, humor, and personalized interactions in retention. Colin highlighted the challenges of forecasting demand and the success of sponsoring content he personally enjoys to drive acquisition.Episode Timestamps:Introduction and Background of Colin McIntosh 0:00Mariah Parsons introduces Colin McIntosh, founder and CEO of Sheets and Giggles, a bed sheets company.Colin mentions his side project, Sheets Resume, which helps with resume reviews and hiring.Colin describes Sheets and Giggles as a brand that has evolved from SpongeBob memes to COVID-19 recovery resources.Colin shares his journey of founding Sheets and Giggles three weeks after being laid off from his previous company.Sheets and Giggles: Early Success and Impact 1:23Colin explains the origins of Sheets and Giggles, including the first shipment of eucalyptus bedding in October 2018.He highlights the company's first million-dollar month in November 2020, two years after the first shipment.Colin mentions appearances on Good Morning America and the company's charitable contributions.He discusses the evolution of Sheets Resume, starting from free resume reviews on Reddit to a more structured AI-based service.Challenges and Strategies in Resume Reviews 2:56Colin shares his experience as a recruiter and the emotional impact of resume reviews.He explains the importance of optimizing resumes for human screeners, who are often harsh and quick in their judgments.Colin describes the development of Sheets Resume, including the use of AI to automate his best advice.He emphasizes the personal relationships he has built with his crowdfunding customers and the importance of creating brand ambassadors.Founding Story and Initial Marketing 7:28Colin recounts his inspiration for starting Sheets and Giggles, including watching the movie "War Dogs" and a conversation with his ex-girlfriend.He shares his process of brainstorming funny names for his business and choosing "Sheets and Giggles."Colin discusses the initial marketing strategies, including Facebook and Instagram ads and the importance of copywriting.He highlights the impact of the pandemic on e-commerce and the shift towards email marketing and SMS.Acquisition and Customer Retention Strategies 10:30Colin explains the three main reasons for using pre-orders: securing funds, proving traction, and building a community of brand ambassadors.He discusses the evolution of acquisition channels, from Facebook and Instagram to TikTok and YouTube Shorts.Colin emphasizes the importance of sponsoring content he personally enjoys, such as podcasts and YouTube channels.He shares insights on the challenges of forecasting inventory and managing customer expectations during supply chain disruptions.Product Development and Customer Experience 14:57Colin outlines the product development strategy for Sheets and Giggles, including the addition of complementary products like duvet covers and pillows.He discusses the importance of creating value on the product roadmap to increase customer lifetime value (LTV).Colin shares his approach to customer experience, focusing on creating dopamine-inducing interactions through humor and personalized touches.He emphasizes the role of good customer care in securing repeat sales and building long-term customer relationships.

Today we are breaking down Ecolab, a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions that protect people & the resources vital to life. As of this recording, Ecolab has a $66 billion market cap and protects over 36% of the world's packaged food supply and over 44% of the global milk supply. My guest is Todd Wenning, founder of KNA Capital Management, who has a knack for finding interesting businesses. We get into Ecolab's very on-brand origin story, how the business kept that core focus throughout its history, and how it became one of two vendors that any US McDonald's must work with. Please enjoy this Breakdown on Ecolab. Subscribe to Colossus Review For the full show notes, transcript, and links to the best content to learn more, check out the episode page here. —- This episode is brought to you by Octus, formerly Reorg, is the essential credit intelligence and data provider for nearly 40,000 professionals across the world's leading buy side firms, investment banks, law firms and advisory firms. By surrounding unparalleled human expertise with embedded AI technology, data and workflow tools, Octus unlocks powerful truths that fuel decisive action in financial markets. Visit octus.com to learn how rigorously verified intelligence is delivered at speed to create a complete picture across the entire credit lifecycle.  —- Business Breakdowns is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Business Breakdowns, visit joincolossus.com/episodes. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com). Show Notes (00:00:00) Welcome to Business Breakdowns (00:03:24) Founding Story and Early Innovations (00:04:52) Ecolab's Modern Business Segments (00:06:10) Chemical Foundations and Major Acquisitions (00:07:05) Sustainability and Solid Chemical Solutions (00:08:36) Market Opportunities and Challenges (00:10:09) The Nalco Acquisition and Water Solutions (00:15:40) Customer Relationships and Sales Strategy (00:20:29) Economic Sensitivity and Resilience (00:22:34) Financial Performance and Growth Projections (00:24:34) Capital Allocation and M&A Strategy (00:25:58) Competitive Landscape and Market Position (00:28:20) Future Growth Drivers and Water Focus (00:37:18) Valuation and Investor Considerations (00:40:18) Lessons from Breaking Down Ecolab

Russ D'Argento, CEO and founder of FINTRX, sits down with CJ in this episode to discuss building a Data as a Service (DaaS) business while also sharing insight into the highly lucrative world of family offices. He explains what a family office is (name a billionaire, they probably have one), their roles in wealth management, and how he identified this niche. He sheds light on FINTRX, what it does, and why building a verticalized data business for a niche market can be both exceptionally complicated and rewarding. He delves into the nuances of DaaS business models, what makes them different from SaaS, why it's so important to own your own data, and the unique challenges one faces in a business like this. He also talks bout the fine art of workflow integration and how allowing customers to access FINTRX's data in other APIs has been surprisingly beneficial.If you're looking for an ERP, head to NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/metrics and get the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning.—SPONSORS:Rippling Spend is a spend management solution that handles your entire company's spending in one unified system. It enables you to bring your corporate cards, expense management, bill pay, and more into one place to achieve real-time visibility and uniquely granular control with automated policy controls across every type of spend. Get a demo to see how much time your org would save at rippling.com/metrics.Vanta's trust management platform takes the manual work out of your security and compliance process and replaces it with continuous automation. Over 9000 businesses use it to automate compliance needs across over 35 frameworks like SOC 2 and ISO 27001. Centralize security workflows, complete questionnaires up to five times faster, and proactively manage vendor risk. For a limited time, get $1,000 off Vanta at vanta.com/metrics.Tropic is an intelligent spend management solution that consolidates your spend data and processes into one unified offering, enabling insights and decisive action. From spotting hidden optimization opportunities to automating painful procurement workflows and giving you the best market data to turn vendor negotiations in your favor, Tropic combines smart insights with real human expertise to keep you ahead of the curve. Visit tropicapp.io/mostlymetrics to learn how.NetSuite provides financial software for all your business needs. More than 40,000 companies have already upgraded to NetSuite, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you're looking for an ERP platform, head to NetSuite https://netsuite.com/metrics and get the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning.Planful is a financial performance management platform designed to streamline financial tasks for businesses. It helps with budgeting, closing the books, and financial reporting, all on a cloud-based platform. By improving the efficiency and accuracy of these processes, Planful allows businesses to make better financial decisions. Find out more at www.planful.com/metrics.Subscript is a modern billing and revenue recognition platform designed for SaaS finance teams that need flexibility and accuracy. From automated invoicing and dunning to compliant, transparent revenue recognition and real-time analytics, Subscript eliminates manual work, reduces errors, and gives you a single source of truth for all your financial data. Book a free demo at subscript.com.—FOLLOW US ON X:@cjgustafson222 (CJ)—TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Preview and Intro(02:57) Sponsor – Rippling Spend | Vanta | Tropic(07:23) What Is a Family Office(11:49) Why Family Offices Are an Attractive Place To Grow Your Career(14:06) Examples of Family and Multi-Family Offices(18:04) Sponsor – NetSuite | Planful | Subscript(21:13) The Founding Story of FINTRX(23:38) What FINTRX Does(25:02) The Data as a Service Business Model(28:50) The Challenges of Starting a DaaS Business(34:07) Broad Versus Narrow in DaaS(37:57) Building FINTRX's Ideal Customer Profile(42:20) Sourcing Your Own Data Versus Partnering With Others(46:09) Hiring for Engineering and Data Science(51:07) Using FINTRX's Interface Versus Accessing the Data in Another Tool(1:02:26) Advice for Someone Launching a DaaS Business(1:02:02) A Habit That Russ Swears By as a Founder(1:03:24) A Lesson From Something That Went Awry Get full access to Mostly metrics at www.mostlymetrics.com/subscribe

Episode One – Celebrating 50 Years of Impact: The Founding story of Averte Part One.Release Date – April 18th, 2025.Summary – In this two part episode, we explore the founding story of Averte, originally known as Merry Meadow Farm—a residential mental health program built on the belief that care happens through compassionate, consistent support in a home-like environment. Listeners will hear how the original vision took root, what made the early program so unique, and how the name and mission evolved into what is today. With reflections from the founder and those involved in the early days, this two part episode highlights the heart, philosophy, and growth of a program that has supported individuals with complex mental health needs for decades. Whether you're a professional, a client, or someone interested in mental health care, this story offers insight into the power of person-centered, long-term support.Guest InformationHannah Smith VP of Philanthropy and Public Relations at Trivium Life Services. Betty Williams founder of Averte. Steve and Kate Williams past owners of Averte. Steve Schramm Major Gifts Director at Trivium Life Services and former owner of Averte. Links and Resourceswww.averte.comwww.triviumlifeservices.org Call to ActionWant more information on the services offered by Trivium Life Services or how to support our mission? Visit our website at www.triviumlifeservices.org. Podcast and host informationHi! I'm Michelle Schaller, Senior Director of Behavioral Health, your host for this series of podcasts by Trivium Life Services. Each week, I'll be introducing you to real professionals who dedicate their lives to helping others, and individuals who have found hope amidst their struggles with mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and those with intellectual and physical disabilities. Our aim is to reduce the prejudices and misconceptions surrounding these challenges and create awareness and understanding in our communities.  DisclaimerThe contents of this podcast, including discussions, interviews, and shared resources, are for informational and educational purposes only. They are not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  AcknowledgementsSpecial thanks to Webberized Inc for their invaluable contribution to this episode. To learn more about their services visit them at www.webberized.com.

In this conversation, Kym (the venue owner) walks us through Pinhook's 16‑year journey from start‑up to beloved cultural anchor in downtown Durham, NC. They open by explaining how Prism's booking and settlement tools have tightened operations enough for a small, 200‑capacity room to pay fair wages—including their own—without sacrificing the club's community‑first ethos.Kym then rewinds to Pinhook's 2008 founding, sharing how a queer‑owned, radically inclusive space was forged to welcome every walk of life while amplifying Durham's DIY music roots. They dive into the economics of surviving (and thriving) as a micro‑venue: offsetting inflation and shifting drinking habits with inventive revenue streams—non‑alcoholic options, staggered early and late shows, and relentless programming creativity.Mid‑episode, we hear the dramatic story of Pinhook's brush with closure and the grassroots campaign (boosted by hometown heroes Sylvan Esso) that kept its doors open. Kym pulls back the curtain on the hard math of a 200‑cap business, stressing why community goodwill and eventually owning the building “dirt” matter as much as bar sales.We wrap with a round of fastballs: their playbook for sustaining a tiny venue over decades, hopes for a fairer, more inclusive music ecosystem, and practical advice for fellow operators—chief among them, “Control your real estate, stay agile, and stay true to the people you serve.(00:20) - Kym reflecting on how helpful Prism is to their 200 capacity community venue and pay them and their employees more(3:24) - Kym's story and the founding of Pinhook, a queer owned and ran club in Durham NC, and their unique ethos to truly embody inclusion while creating a safe space for everyone(13:26) – the shifting landscape of drinking preferences, inflation and Kym's success offering NAs, doing early shows & late night shows, and overall how Kym gets creative to make their venue work(22:33) – The economics of making a 200 cap community centric club work, staying in business for 16 years + the heroic story of Kym and the community saving Pinhook early on–in part thanks to incredible local bands like Sylvan Esso (32:07) – Fastballs: how do you make a 200 cap sustain for 16 years, the importance of owning the dirt under your venue, hopes for the music industry for the futurePlease share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism:Subscribe ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More on The PinhookMore on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Prism⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@prismfm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)Follow us on LinkedIn (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matt Ford⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Opening Music -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Banana Bread - Layton.rx⁠ (Prism engineer!)

Points of Interest1:04 – 1:46 – Introduction of John Meyer: Marcel introduces John Meyer, highlighting his experience as a successful agency owner, seller, and current business coach.2:10 – 2:30 – John's Current Focus with Leadmore: John explains his mission with Leadore: coaching agency owners to avoid solopreneur traps and scale their businesses.2:30 – 3:11 – "No More Solo" Coaching Program: Details of John's group coaching for agencies in the $100k-$400k range focused on delegation and growth.3:11 – 3:37 – Coaching for Scaling Agency CEOs: Information on John's one-on-one coaching for CEOs aiming to delegate and further scale their agencies beyond $500k.4:32 – 5:30 – The Founding Story of Lemonly: John recounts the pivot from a broad digital agency to specializing in infographics for better focus and impact.5:36 – 6:50 – Strategic Niche of Infographics: How Lemonly's focus on infographics led to recognition and work with major brands like Netflix and MLB.8:38 – 9:25 – The Challenge of Scaling a Niche: The episode transitions to discussing the dilemma of staying niched versus widening services for continued growth.14:51 – 15:03 – Introduction to the Product Ladder: John introduces his framework of four ways service businesses can generate revenue.15:03 – 17:18 – Levels of the Product Ladder Explained: A brief overview of the custom, done-for-you, done-with-you, and DIY service levels.17:54 – 18:08 – Utilizing the Ladder for Increased Profit: The concept of moving clients up or down the ladder and repackaging services for better retention and profitability.26:58 – 28:31 – Avoiding Custom Work at "Done-For-You" Prices: John cautions against providing bespoke services while charging for standardized offerings.Show NotesConnect with John:Johntmeyer.comLinkedInInstagramYouTubeLove the PodcastLeave us a review here.

Today we are breaking down Goosehead Insurance. I always enjoy hearing about how a new entrant has effectively carved out a niche in a world of incumbents and Goosehead fits that billing perfectly.  I'm joined by Geoff Collette, founder and PM of Aeon Capital Partners, and he walks us through the story of Goosehead identifying a bottleneck in the home-buying process.  We also cover the evolving market, where captives like State Farm and Allstate are leaving opportunities for independent players like Goosehead to provide value.  There's a lot to learn from Goosehead and its evolution, with notable themes like technology, the franchising model, and an emphasis on speed. Please enjoy this breakdown on Goosehead Insurance. Subscribe to Colossus Review For the full show notes, transcript, and links to the best content to learn more, check out the episode page here. ----- Octus, formerly Reorg, is the essential credit intelligence and data provider for nearly 40,000 professionals across the world's leading buy side firms, investment banks, law firms and advisory firms. By surrounding unparalleled human expertise with embedded AI technology, data and workflow tools, Octus unlocks powerful truths that fuel decisive action in financial markets. Visit octus.com to learn how rigorously verified intelligence is delivered at speed to create a complete picture across the entire credit lifecycle.  —- Business Breakdowns is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Business Breakdowns, visit joincolossus.com/episodes. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com). Show Notes (00:00:00) Welcome to Business Breakdowns (00:04:26) How Goosehead Attracts Customers (00:05:15) Market Focus and Business Scale (00:06:07) Goosehead's Growth and Key Players (00:08:51) The Founding Story of Goosehead (00:12:28) The Shift from Captive to Independent Agents (00:15:29) Challenges in the Insurance Market (00:19:37) Goosehead's Unique Business Model (00:36:42) Franchising and Corporate Strategy (00:41:00) Operational Challenges and Strategic Adjustments (00:46:28) Financial Performance and Future Prospects (01:00:29) Competitive Landscape and Risks (01:07:40) Valuation and Lessons From Goosehead

Alvaro Morales is the cofounder and CEO of Orb, a usage-based billing product for modern software companies. They've raised $44M to date from amazing investors such as Mayfield, Menlo Ventures, and Greylock. Alvaro's favorite book: Conversation in the Cathedral (Author: Mario Vargas Llosa)(00:01) Introduction (00:35) What is Usage-Based Billing?(02:27) Challenges in Metering Usage(04:14) Examples of Consumption-Based Products(05:49) Tools for Usage Metering and Billing(09:08) Founding Story and Validation of Orb(12:11) Building the MVP for a Billing System(14:48) Acquiring the First 10 Customers(18:33) Scaling Sales & Marketing After Initial Traction(21:09) Building the Team & Ideal Candidate Profile(23:26) Technology Stack Behind Orb(25:55) Real-Time Analytics vs Streaming for Billing(27:18) Other Key Components of Orb's Solution(28:38) Why Incumbents Haven't Solved This Problem(31:09) How Orb Uses AI Internally(32:53) Most Exciting AI Advancements for the Future(34:30) Rapid Fire Round--------Where to find Alvaro Morales: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvaro-morales/--------Where to find Prateek Joshi: Newsletter: https://prateekjoshi.substack.com Website: https://prateekj.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prateek-joshi-infinite X: https://x.com/prateekvjoshi 

In this episode of The Founder Spirit, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Founder of SOC Films, shares her journey from growing up in Pakistan to winning the Academy Awards (twice!). She discusses the powerful narratives she has captured in her films, including two Oscar-winning documentaries, “Saving Face” and “A Girl in the River”, and emphasizes the importance of empathy in storytelling, the challenges faced by women around the world, and her commitment to amplifying voices that inspire change. She also reflects on her recent work in Hollywood, the lessons she drew from working with Diane von Furstenberg in her latest biopic, as well as the significance of sharing diverse stories that resonate with global audiences.How did Sharmeen become the only female director to have won two Academy Awards by the age of 37? TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

On this episode of Chit Chat Stocks, Brett gives a research report on Nu Holdings (ticker: NU). We discuss:(04:08) The Founding Story of Nu Holdings(07:31) Personal Anecdotes and User Experience in Banking(11:53) Management Team and Leadership Insights(18:44) Business Model Overview of Nu Holdings(31:12) Geographic Opportunities: Brazil and Mexico(38:39) Nu Holdings' Growth Strategy in Mexico(42:44) Competitive Landscape and Market Dynamics(53:19) Navigating the Credit Cycle and Economic Risks(58:41) Future Financial Projections and Valuation Concerns*****************************************************JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER AND FREE CHAT COMMUNITY: https://chitchatstocks.substack.com/ *********************************************************************Sign-up for a bond account at Public.com/chitchatstocks A Bond Account is a self-directed brokerage account with Public Investing, member FINRA/SIPC. Deposits into this account are used to purchase 10 investment-grade and high-yield bonds. As of 9/26/24, the average, annualized yield to worst (YTW) across the Bond Account is greater than 6%. A bond's yield is a function of its market price, which can fluctuate; therefore, a bond's YTW is not “locked in” until the bond is purchased, and your yield at time of purchase may be different from the yield shown here. The “locked in” YTW is not guaranteed; you may receive less than the YTW of the bonds in the Bond Account if you sell any of the bonds before maturity or if the issuer defaults on the bond. Public Investing charges a markup on each bond trade. See our Fee Schedule. Bond Accounts are not recommendations of individual bonds or default allocations. The bonds in the Bond Account have not been selected based on your needs or risk profile. See https://public.com/disclosures/bond-account to learn more.*********************************************************************FinChat.io is The Complete Stock Research Platform for fundamental investors.With its beautiful design and institutional-quality data, FinChat is incredibly powerful and easy to use.Use our LINK and get 15% off any premium plan: ⁠finchat.io/chitchat *********************************************************************Bluechippers Club is a tight-knit community of stock focused investors. Members share ideas, participate in weekly calls, and compete in portfolio competitions.To join, go to ⁠Blue Chippers and apply! Link: ⁠https://bluechippersclub.com/*********************************************************************Disclosure: Chit Chat Stocks hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and nothing they say on this show is formal advice or a recommendation.

Episode 374 of The VentureFizz Podcast features Dave Blundin, serial entrepreneur & investor. Dave's track record is legendary as one of the top entrepreneurs and investors in the Boston tech scene. He's co-founded 23 companies… and many have been incredibly successful: * DataSage - acquired by Vignette for over $1B in today's dollars * EverQuote - which went public * Vestmark - manages over $2 trillion in assets Companies like CourseAdvisor, Jobcase, Autotegrity, LeadKarma were all acquired. Plus he's invested in CarGurus, TripAdvisor… and he is the Founder & General Partner of Link Ventures and he's also the founder of the startup incubator, Cogo Labs. One might think that after all of this success, Dave would downshift and relax… but it is the exact opposite. He has been waiting for this moment since he was 14 years old and that is the current platform shift to AI. He studied AI at MIT back in 1984 and pioneered quantizing neural networks as early as 1992. Needless to say… his time is now and he believes that it has the potential to be the greatest thing that ever happened to humanity. He wants to savor the moment and work to train and build faster, better, & smarter AI. Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:43 Dave Blundin's Journey Begins 08:27 Founding DataSage and Early Innovations 15:55 Meeting Jeff Bezos & Building Personalization at Amazon 18:18 DataSage Acquisition by Vignette 20:59 Founding Story of Vestmark & Its Scale 27:39 Link Ventures & Cogo Labs - Building Consumer Companies at Scale 32:31 Story of EverQuote to IPO 35:04 The Best Friend Method for Investing 36:33 AI & The Importance of Chip Manufacturing 41:45 The AI Revolution & Opportunities 44:11 Liquid AI: General-Purpose AI Systems at Every Scale 47:45 Boston's Talent Density & MIT's Advantage 53:44 Personal Insights and Hobbies 57:40 Podcast & Book Recommendations Episode Sponsor: As a longtime champion of the local startup ecosystem, Silicon Valley Bank supports innovative companies with the solutions and financing they need through every stage of growth. With more than 1,500 bankers and relationship advisors, and $42B in loans as of Q2 2024 – SVB delivers the right people, service and resources to support your entire financial journey. Learn more at SVB.com.

In this episode of Fintech Chatter, Dexter Cousins chats to Nathan Walsh and Michael Starkey, Co-Founders of Athena Home Loans.Making their long awaited return to the show, Nathan and Michael discuss their journey over the past four years, and the insane challenges they've had to navigate as interest rates rose rapidly and funding markets dried up. According to Wikipedia Athena was the patron goddess of heroic endeavor; she was believed to have aided the heroes Perseus, Heracles, Bellerophon, and Jason. She may have also aided Michael and Nathan over this last few years!We ask Nathan and Michael the tough questions like how do you compete with banks, balance innovation with regulatory requirements, navigating the rapid interest rate rises since 2022, and the importance of partnerships. Nathan and Michael also share their secrets to building a resilient team and maintaining a strong company culture as they aim for the next stage of growth and innovation in the home loan sector.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Athena Home Loans03:38 Founding Story and Vision05:48 Tech Fin vs Fin Tech: Athena's Position07:32 Navigating Regulation and Innovation11:48 Challenges of Distribution in a Fragmented Market13:34 Impact of Interest Rate Rises on Fintech19:45 Lessons from Big Banks23:23 Partnerships and Growth Opportunities29:29 Cultural Alignment in Partnerships33:47 The Journey of Co-Founders37:59 Hiring The Right People40:51 Navigating Growth and Change45:09 Reflections on Past Experiences48:40 Future Aspirations and GrowthSend us a textSubscribe Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fintech-leaders-7092732051488980992/Connect on Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3DsCJBp

Learn AI in 5 Minutes Per Day: https://www.theaireport.ai/In this episode of The AI Report, Liam Lawson sits down with Nick Verity, CEO of Cleverly and partner at Axe Automation, to explore how AI, workflow automation, and productized services are reshaping the future of B2B lead generation and outbound sales.Nick breaks down how Cleverly scaled to 1,000+ five-star reviews by turning traditional agency work into a highly automated, subscription-based model—leveraging AI tools like Claude to streamline cold outreach, personalize copywriting, and optimize client delivery. He explains why scalable lead generation in 2025 depends on automation-first thinking and how to build operational systems that run without weekly hand-holding.From automating onboarding and CRM workflows to launching high-converting cold email campaigns, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Nick also dives into the rise (and hype) of AI SDR startups, the shift toward intent-based outreach, and why good cold email is still about relevance, proof, and a killer offer.But it's not just about systems—this episode also explores the mindset of a founder: how fear, problem-solving, and grit shaped Nick's journey from blue-collar roots to leading two high-growth businesses, and why the “AI Orchestrator” might just be the most important job title of the next decade.Want to scale your agency, automate your sales funnel, and dominate outbound in the age of AI?Tune in now! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights!Over 400,000 OpenAI, Apple & NASA professionals read The AI Report. We'll teach you how to leverage AI to make money/save time in just 5 minutes.Join our free community now: https://www.skool.com/the-ai-report-community/aboutConnect with Nicholas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-verity/(00:00) Preview(01:39) The Founding Story of Cleverly (05:37) Automating Client Management at Scale (07:39) Nick's Product Development & Strategy Framework (12:21) Breaking Down Cleverly's Revenue Model (17:44) AI SDRs & 2025 Cold Email Strategies(21:31) Scaling Axe: Challenges, Lessons & Productization (26:28) What Axe Automation Actually Does for Clients (28:50) Who Buys Automation (And Who Doesn't) (35:04) Personal Productivity vs Workflow Automation with AI (37:33) The Rise of the AI Orchestrator Role (42:17) Nick's Thoughts on Investing, Risk, and Focus (47:11) Nick's Vision For the Future

In this episode of The Founder Spirit, Barney Swan, Founder of ClimateForce, an explorer and a gifted keynote speaker, shares stories of planting trees with Dr. Jane Goodall, working with both modern and Indigenous wisdom keepers,  his approach to  mental health and wellbeing in navigating the “attention economy”.  In this conversation, Barney discusses the importance of self-realization and circular economy, honoring what has brought us this far, and how to find common ground on sustainability. He also explores the interconnectedness of biodiversity and the survival of human species, while emphasizing the need for commitment, humility, and humor in creating a safety net for the future. How do we navigate the attention economy and find common ground on sustainability?  TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Grace Kennedy sits down with Susan Hartman, co-founder of Recoup Beverages, to discuss the journey of building a gut-healthy hydration brand. Susan shares how she met her co-founder, Siwat, and how his personal health journey inspired the creation of Recoup. She dives into the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from a fresh juice product to a shelf-stable beverage, navigating retail expansion, and securing national distribution with Sprouts.Susan also talks about the importance of branding, packaging decisions, and how to strategically market a beverage product in a competitive industry. She provides insights on raising capital, working with distributors, and leveraging trade shows like Expo West to gain visibility and connect with investors.Whether you're an emerging founder or a CPG enthusiast, this episode is packed with practical insights on brand positioning, retail growth, and consumer engagement.Tune in now to hear Susan's journey and learn how Recoup is redefining hydration!Listen in as they share about:Founding Story & Inspiration of Recoup BeverageBranding & Marketing StrategyRetail Growth & ExpansionExpo West & Pitch SlamsFunding & Investment StrategyFuture Plans (2025 & Beyond)Advice for Other EntrepreneursEpisode Links:Website: https://www.recoupwellness.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-buckwalter-hartman-704a19a/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics

Malte Kosub is the cofounder and CEO of Parloa, an AI agent platform for customer service. They raised their $66M Series B led by Altimeter.Malte's favorite book: The Qualified Sales Leader (Author: John McMahon)(00:01) Introduction(00:26) Overview of AI in Customer Support(01:33) The Current Landscape of AI Agents(02:46) Enterprise Adoption of AI Agents(04:16) The Founding Story of Parloa(06:25) Deciding What Goes into V1 of a Product(07:56) Achieving 99.9999% Accuracy in AI Agents(09:29) How to Identify Customer Needs for AI Products(10:55) Scaling from Early Customers to the Next 10(12:41) Growth Experiments: What Worked and What Didn't(14:42) Current State of Parloa: Capabilities and Scale(16:36) Structuring Teams for AI-First Companies(18:49) Technology Stack and Internal AI Use Cases(21:29) How to Pitch an AI Product to Enterprises(23:32) Essential Tools Used Inside the Company(25:41) AI's Role in Daily Life and Workflows(27:54) The Future of AI Agents in Customer Support(28:37) Can AI Agents Fully Replace Human Agents?(29:05) Exciting AI Advancements Impacting Parloa(30:06) Rapid Fire Round--------Where to find Malte Kosub: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maltekosub/--------Where to find Prateek Joshi: Newsletter: https://prateekjoshi.substack.com Website: https://prateekj.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prateek-joshi-infiniteX: https://x.com/prateekvjoshi 

Creating and maintaining an elevated standard of hospitality is no easy task. It not only requires strategies and systems, but it requires that those providing the hospitality also experience it themselves. That people-first focus on employee satisfaction and sustainability matched with a high standard of training and a structure of operations to support  and nurture the culture is exactly what today's guests have created in their cafe.  Today we get to talk with the owners of Fount Coffee and Kitchen in Morrisville, NC!  Fount Coffee + Kitchen is owned by two husband and wife teams in Morrisville, North Carolina: Shawn and Kristen Preissner and George and Katie Kilgore. They are two local families that came together with a shared vision and passion for great coffee, food, and hospitality. They initially met in 2015, became great friends, put together a business plan, and opened the doors of Fount in December of 2018. Recognizing the need that existed in the Morrisville/Research Triangle Park community for both specialty coffee and a community gathering space, they sought to meet this need with premium menu offerings, elevated guest experience, and intentional workplace culture on the forefront of their mission. We discuss: The Founding Story of Fount Integration of corporate strategies that benefit small biz Why feedback from team members is crucial for continuous improvement. Fount Coffee's mission: to serve intentionally, excellently, and joyfully. Why the owners hold each other accountable to maintain discipline in operations. Prioritizing team morale and sustainability in the workplace. Celebrating team members' contributions. Why you should focus on financial health to allow for team investments. Efficient scheduling as a key to staff satisfaction. Barista work is more demanding than perceived. Why future growth must align with your values. Links: www.fountcoffee.com Instagram : @fountcoffee   Related episodes:  391 : Founder Friday! w/ Megan Wilson of Spuds Coffee in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 343 : Founder Friday! “Curated Edition” | Hospitality + Meeting People Where They Are 194 : Encore Episode! Leadership in the Cafe: 10 Steps to being a People First Leader | Aired January 17 2017 446: Building a People-First Coffee Tech Culture w/ Jason “Double J” Johnson, Black Rabbit Service Co. 472: Why Technical Skill as a Leader is Not Enough w/ Jonathan Raymond, Refound, Author: Good Authority   ATTENTION CAFE OWNERS w/ 2+ Years of running your brick and mortar.... - LOOKING FOR A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT, ACCOUNTABILITY, INSIGHT, AND ENCOURAGEMENT?  - The Key Holder Coaching Group master-mind are now taking new applicants for our 4th cohort launching in march!    Click below to fill out your application now! KEY HOLDER COACHING APPLICATION   INTERESTED IN 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING? If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min  Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, Tile and brick needs!  www.arto.com Visit @artobrick The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series!  www.pacificfoodservice.com  

In this episode of The Founder Spirit, Elisabeth Stern, a cultural anthropologist, a peace and environmental activist, and a board member of Senior Women for Climate Protection Switzerland, recounts how the group prevailed through an eight-year legal battle to ultimately secure a landmark judgement against its own government for its inadequate climate policy. A passionate advocate for climate protection as a human right, Elisabeth emphasizes the leverage the financial sector has in addressing climate change by not funding fossil fuel related projects, while also sharing her vision of hope for the future.How did a group of Senior Swiss Women persevere through an eight-year legal battle and ultimately secure a historic victory against their own government? TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

In this episode of The Founder Spirit, Prakash Govindan, founder and COO of Gradiant, takes us through his journey of building a global leader in advanced water and wastewater treatment. Committed to giving nature its water back and ensuring it for generations to come, he explores the vital role of water, the groundbreaking technologies Gradiant has developed, and their impact on addressing global water scarcity and pollution.A spiritual seeker and a bhakti yogi, Prakash also shares wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita, the holy Hindu scripture. How did Prakash built the first and only water tech unicorn out of his doctoral thesis? And what is his interpretation of life based on the Bhagavad Gita, the holy Hindu scripture? TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

In This EpisodeIn today's episode of CleanTechies, we're joined by Anca Timofte, the CEO and Founder of Holocene, a direct air capture (DAC) company revolutionizing carbon removal through a continuous-loop liquid system. With over a decade of experience in carbon capture—including being one of the first employees at Climeworks—Anca offers unparalleled insight into the challenges and opportunities of building climate solutions.Anca walks us through:**How Holocene's low-temp carbon capture slashes energy costs with novel organic chemistry.**Solid vs. liquid DAC: Why Holocene's approach is a game-changer for scaling carbon removal.**Holocene's milestones: Securing Google as a customer and advancing major projects.**Startup lessons: Co-founder alignment, mission-driven hiring, and thriving in Knoxville.**Why DAC matters: Tackling legacy and ongoing emissions in a decarbonized world.---

 In this episode of the Time to Thrive podcast, host Bethany Meadows chats with Barry LaBov, founder and CEO of LaBov Marketing Communications and Training, about the vital role of corporate culture in creating a competitive advantage. From his unique journey starting in the music industry to building a successful marketing firm, Barry shares how culture can be a catalyst for engagement and growth. Tune in to learn Barry's insights on differentiating your business, aligning teams around a purpose, and fostering a culture that's truly valued by employees and customers alike. Plus, Barry reveals why internal communication is essential and shares tips for leaders on staying connected with their teams in authentic ways. www.barrylabov.com 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:08 Barry Labov's Vintage Passion02:16 Founding Story of Labov Marketing04:11 Importance of Corporate Culture05:28 Employee Engagement Strategies10:53 Aligning Teams Around Purpose14:09 The Power of Storytelling20:39 Internal Communication Tips22:25 Emerging Trends and AI26:45 Building a Purpose-Driven Company28:35 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Discover the strategies, systems and skills that lead to success in business. Visit TimeToThriveInBusiness.com to learn more.

In this episode of The Founder Spirit, Trupti Jain, a social entrepreneur from India and co-founder of Naireeta Services, an organization at the forefront of climate resilience and sustainable agriculture, shares the value she placed on water at an early age growing up in harsh climate conditions.  She discusses the hardships women farmers in rural India faced and explains the invention of Bhungroo, a water management solution, and its impact on improving the lives of smallholder farmers. How did Trupti manage to bridge gender equity, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment to transform the lives of rural communities in India? TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

Sam Kazemian, founder of Frax Finance, outlined the development and goals of FraxUSD, a decentralized stablecoin designed to integrate with both traditional finance and decentralized ecosystems. The upgraded FraxUSD offers redeemability through custodians like BlackRock and SuperState while providing competitive yields through diversified strategies. Kazemian described Frax's broader vision as building a digital economy anchored by its flagship stablecoin and Fraxstool, a high-performance Ethereum Layer 2. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 00:48 - Founding Story and Differentiation of Frax 02:01 - Vision for Decentralized Stablecoins 02:41 - Features of FraxUSD 08:51 - Best of Both Worlds Design for FraxUSD 13:08 - Future of Stablecoins 23:05 - Yield Strategy of FraxUSD 34:16 - FraxUSD in Real World and On-Chain Usage 42:02 - Stablecoins as the Gateway to Crypto 47:12 - Roadmap and Future of Frax ✨ Check out our new website ✨ https://thedefiant.io/

In this episode, Michael Levie, co-founder of citizenM, shares the story of how the innovative brand began, the challenges they faced, and the unique strategies that set them apart in the industry. This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solutions and exceptional implementation support, Shiji Group is trusted by leading brands worldwide to activate technology faster and drive better business results.A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode of The Startup CPG Podcast, Grace Kennedy sits down with Becca Wright, the founder of Piedmont Pennies, to discuss the journey of turning a cherished family recipe into a thriving business. Becca shares the story behind her signature bite-sized cheesy biscuit crackers, inspired by her granddad's recipe from North Carolina, and how she transitioned from corporate America to starting her own business.Learn about the challenges and success of bootstrapping a CPG brand, navigating manufacturing processes, scaling while maintaining quality, and finding unique retail opportunities that align with the brand's identity. Becca also opens up about the joys of building a team, creating meaningful connections with employees, and staying true to her vision despite the pressures of the industry.Whether you're curious about the ins and outs of manufacturing, retail expansion strategies, or the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship, this episode offers a candid, inspiring look at the hustle behind Piedmont Pennies. Plus, don't miss Becca's tips on staying grounded and building a business with heart.Join us for this conversation, and don't forget to check out Piedmont Pennies at piedmontpennies.com. Use code STARTUPCPG for 15% off your order and support small businesses!Listen in as they share about:Inspiration and Founding Story of Piedmont PenniesManufacturing ProcessRetail Expansion and MarketingBootstrapping and FundingCompany ValuesCustomer EngagementCommunity and SupportFuture GoalsEpisode Links:Website: https://piedmontpennies.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beccajordanwright/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics

Jordan Tigani is the cofounder and CEO of MotherDuck, a data warehouse platform based on open source database DuckDB. They've raised $100M in funding from amazing investors like Andreessen Horowitz, Felicis, Madrona, and Altimeter. He was previously the CPO at SingleStore and spent 11 years at Google before that. He has a degree in electrical engineering from Harvard.  Jordan's favorite book: The Master and Margarita (Author: Mikhail Bulgakov)(00:01) Introduction(00:08) Founding of MotherDuck(01:12) The Philosophy of Shipping Products at MotherDuck(05:02) Founding Story and Identifying the Market Opportunity(10:57) Building the First Version and Overcoming Early Challenges(12:23) Validating Customer Needs and Asking the Right Questions(18:24) Deciding What Features to Prioritize and Exclude(21:30) Positioning a New Product in a Mature Market(27:36) Overcoming Challenges in Scaling MotherDuck(32:29) Measuring Success of New Features in Enterprise Products(36:20) Structuring the Organization for Effective Execution(41:09) Preparing MotherDuck for the AI Native Era(43:28) Rapid Fire Round --------Where to find Jordan Tigani: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordantigani/--------Where to find Prateek Joshi: Newsletter: https://prateekjoshi.substack.com Website: https://prateekj.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prateek-joshi-91047b19 Twitter: https://twitter.com/prateekvjoshi 

Sandy Peng, co-founder of Scroll, tells us the journey of building one of the most anticipated Ethereum Layer 2s, their focus on ZK rollups for scalability, and the unique value proposition of high security, decentralization, and low costs. Sandy discusses Scroll's transition from general purpose chain design to supporting specific use cases driven by ecosystem builders and founders. They explore challenges and lessons from Scroll's recent token airdrop, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, equitable distribution, and fostering a vibrant community. Sandy highlights the Scroll Open initiative and their long-term vision to create a thriving "city" for innovation and talent in the blockchain space. Chapters 00:00 - Sandy Peng on Scroll's Rise 00:30 - Scroll's Evolution and 2025 Vision 01:30 - The Founding Story of Scroll 02:30 - Why ZK Rollups? 04:00 - Scroll's Unique Edge in the L2 Space 07:00 - Transition to Use Case-Specific Chains 09:00 - Scroll's Vision for Builders and Founders 11:00 - Sub-Cent Costs and High Security Explained 15:00 - Decentralization: Scroll's Progress and Plans 20:00 - Governance and the Role of Scroll Tokens 25:00 - Airdrop Lessons and Community Feedback 35:00 - Reflections on Token Distribution Trends 46:00 - Layer 2s and Ethereum's Value Narrative 50:00 - Scroll Open: Building the Future Economy 58:00 - Scroll's Big Picture Vision Our sponsors https://node.icn.global/?utm_source=TheDefiant&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=node_sale_live https://kelpdao.xyz/gain/growth-vault/?utm_source=Defiant https://betteron.stellar.org/ ✨ Check out our new website ✨ https://thedefiant.io/

In this episode of The Founder Spirit, Sari Tolvanen, Founder and CEO of Ocean Eye, the world's first ecosystem service payments solution targeted for the global marine tourism sector, shares her passion for marine biology.Growing up in Finland, she discusses her transition from academic research to advocacy work at Greenpeace, spearheading ship expeditions and combating high seas commercial fishing. Driven by the desire to create change at the grassroots level, she innovated with Ocean Eye to promote conservation through financial incentives and develop a new paradigm for nature. How did a former ocean campaigner come to create a solution to incentivize coastal communities to protect marine biodiversity? TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

The pleasures in life are meant to be savored...but how do we balance pure indulgence with making 'healthy' choices? This week I had the chance to speak with Christy Goldsby, the founder of Honey Mama's, a health-conscious refrigerated truffle bar brand, to discuss the joys in indulging in our sweet tooth in a healthier way. Tune in to learn more about the founding story of the brand, how Christy's struggles with autoimmune disease inspired her to dive deeper into how food impacts our mood, ways that indulging our sweet tooth (with a healthier alternative) can spark joy, and how Christy finds her endorphins! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stella-stephanopoulos/support

Our single malt journey continues. In this episode we discuss the unique aspects of single malt whiskey, the journey of Westward Whiskey, and the blending process with their Master Blender, Miles Monroe. Monroe shares his background in music and how it influenced his path to whiskey, as well as the importance of fermentation and distillation techniques. In this conversation we discusses the intricate process of crafting whiskey, the importance of flavor profiles, and the evolution of consumer perceptions towards American Single Malt. Show Notes: 00:00-Introduction to Bourbon Pursuit and Single Malt Whiskey 04:45-Miles Monroe's Journey from Music to Whiskey 10:00-The Founding Story of Westward Whiskey 15:07-The Craft of Single Malt Distillation 19:55-Blending Methodology and Flavor Profiles 26:09-Crafting the Perfect Whiskey Blend 30:19-The Journey of a Master Blender 32:10-Understanding Aging and Flavor Profiles 34:22-Consumer Perception of American Single Malt 38:57-International Reception and Market Expansion 42:40-Future Plans and Visitor Experience Support this podcast on Patreon

This week on The Conservative Woman's Guide, Karin Lips is joined by Hope Harvard, founder of Hope Beauty, for an episode on the Conservative Woman's Guide to entrepreneurship. Hope shares her founding story and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Use code ENLIGHTENED at checkout for 10% off your next order at Hope Beauty! Follow us on Instagram […]

Overview: Today, we're going to explore PiggyVest - the Nigerian savings and investment platform. We'll discuss the story across the following areas: African Banking & Neobank context  PiggyVest's early history Product & monetization strategy Competitive positioning & potential exit options Overall outlook This episode was recorded on Oct 30, 2024 Companies discussed: PiggyVest, Chipper Cash, Kuda Bank, Paystack, Flutterwave, FairMoney, Paystack, Brass, Cowrywise, Carbon, Chipper Cash, Interswitch, GTBank, Sterling Bank & UBA. Business concepts discussed: Neobank / Challenger bank / digital bank strategy, remittances Neobank monetization & Consumer Lending, consumer FinTech monetization strategy, consumer lending, retail banking strategy, customer segmentation strategy & low-end disruption Conversation highlights: (00:30) - Introduction (05:00) - African Banking & Neobank context (25:30) - Piggyvest's Founding Story (40:15) - Fundraising and Growth (52:30) - Geographical Expansion and Partnerships (01:18:52) - Product and Monetization strategy (01:35:20) - Competition and options for exit (01:54:35) - Bankole's overall thoughts and outlook (02:05:15) - Olumide's overall thoughts and outlook (02:15:45) - Recommendations and small wins Olumide's recommendations & small wins: Recommendation: Sisqo - Got to Get it video - Insane shit. Sisqo singing and dancing his heart out. So dope. Recommendation: Rob Berger's Personal Finance YouTube channel Recommendation: The Patriarch: The Remarkable Life and Turbulent Times of Joseph P. Kennedy. Excellent book. A little bit of everything, entrepreneurship - history, politics, family life & hollywood.  Small win: I spent the week in Cusco & Lima, it was magical and fun. Some sand, some llamas, lots of dancing. Epic shit Bankole's recommendations & small wins: Recommendation: BBC Radio 4 - In Our Time Podcast & Active - Asake Small win: Running 25 miles a week Other content: These Nigerian universities produced the most startup founders - Nairametrics  Listeners: We'd love to hear from you. Email info@afrobility.com with feedback! Founders & Operators: We'd love to hear about what you're working on, email us at info@afrobility.com Investors: It would be great to link up with you. Contact us at info@afrobility.com Join our insider mailing list where we get feedback on new episodes & find all episodes on Afrobility.com

This is Zack Fuss. Today we're breaking down Fastenal. Starting as a small fastener retailer in Minnesota, the company has evolved into a mission-critical supply chain partner for its industrial customers. Today, the business sports a nearly $50 billion market cap and produces nearly $8 billion in sales.  The impact of Fastenal's founder, Bob Kierlin, on Fastenal's commercial success can't be overstated. The industrial vending machine was his original idea, a vision he made a reality years later through its network of local branches, onsite locations, embedded with customers and innovative inventory management technologies. I'm joined by Delian Entchev, a portfolio manager at Aoris Investment Management. Today, we'll unpack the strategic choices, cultural DNA, and relentless customer focus that have fueled Fastenal's remarkable success. Please enjoy this Breakdown of Fastenal. Check out our new print publication Colossus Review. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to the best content to learn more, check out the episode page here. ----- This episode is brought to you by EightSleep, the temperature-controlled mattress cover that heats or cools your mattress to transform your sleep. The Pod 4 Ultra is the new gold standard in intelligent sleep systems. It can be added to your current mattress like a fitted sheet and is been clinically proven to give you up to an hour more quality of sleep every night. The cooling capability can cool your side of the bed to 20 degrees below room temperature, all managed by the pod's autopilot feature, which adjusts the temperature throughout the night. This holiday season, go to eightsleep.com/breakdowns and use code JOYS for up to $600 off the Pod 4 Ultra when bundled.  — This episode is brought to you by Ridgeline. Ridgeline has built a complete, real-time, modern operating system for investment managers. It handles trading, portfolio management, compliance, customer reporting, and much more through an all-in-one real-time cloud platform. I think this platform will become the standard for investment managers, and if you run an investing firm, I highly recommend you find time to speak with them. Head to ridgelineapps.com to learn more about the platform. ----- Business Breakdowns is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Business Breakdowns, visit joincolossus.com/episodes. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com). Show Notes (00:00:00) Welcome to Business Breakdowns (00:07:44) Understanding Fastenal's Business Model (00:08:24) The Amazon Connection (00:10:09) Fastenal's Founding Story (00:12:06) Pivot to Business Customers (00:13:18) Empowering Employees for Growth (00:14:44) Frugality and Culture at Fastenal (00:17:33) Expansion and Evolution (00:19:07) Onsite Services and Technological Innovations (00:22:17) International Growth and Future Opportunities (00:23:16) Financial Profile and Customer Relationships (00:28:36) Customer Integration: Fastenal's On-Site Business Model (00:29:21) Three Pillars of Fastenal's Service: Experts, Inventory, and Technology (00:30:39) Customization and Proximity: Tailoring On-Site Solutions (00:31:56) Economic Relationships and Customer Spend (00:33:56) Fastenal's Competitive Edge: Value Proposition and Culture (00:37:54) Growth and Market Share: Fastenal's Expansion Strategies (00:44:52) Financial Discipline and Capital Allocation (00:50:14) Lessons from Fastenal: Transparency and In-Person Visits

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Elisia Flores, the CEO of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. Elisia discusses her remarkable journey with her family-owned restaurant chain, which has grown into a global brand with over 200 locations. Elisia shares her unique perspective on managing a large business while maintaining the authentic flavors that define Hawaiian cuisine. Nick and Elisia delve into the challenges and triumphs faced during the pandemic, highlighting how L&L adapted and thrived amidst the chaos.TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro to Titans of Food Service(01:37) Hawaii's Unique Food Scene(02:21) Meet Elisia Flores, CEO of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue(08:29) The Founding Story of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue(20:12) Navigating the Pandemic as a Restaurant Leader(25:53) Future Goals: Expanding to 500 Locations(27:15) Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRESOURCESPortillo SalesCONTACT Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

While college-going rates have increased over recent decades, completion rates have hardly budged. On this episode, Michael and Jeff sit down with one entrepreneur working to change that. Mike Larsson is the co-founder and CEO of Duet, an organization collaborating with an online university to provide on-the-ground coaching and physical space for students. They discuss the role wraparound supports play in supporting more students towards graduation, the keys to reengaging students who have stopped out, the nationwide spread of hybrid models like Duet's, and more. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Philanthropy and the Gates Foundation.Links We ShareCollege Reimagined by Jon Gabrieli et al.Chapters0:00 - Intro02:12 - The Founding Story of Duet08:53 - Reaching Students with “Some College No Degree”11:23 - A Personal Trainer for College13:17 - Duet's Outcomes17:07 - “The Hard Policy Answer”21:00 - The Growth of Hybrid College24:39 - Affordability, Flexibility, and Disruption29:46 - Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships to Better Serve Adult Learners33:26 - Improving the Outcomes of Community Colleges Season 8 Planning Surveyhttps://bit.ly/3Xtcfd0Connect with Michael Horn:Sign Up for the The Future of Education NewsletterWebsiteLinkedInX (Twitter)ThreadsConnect with Jeff Selingo:Sign Up for the Next NewsletterWebsiteX (Twitter)ThreadsLinkedInConnect with Future U:TwitterYouTubeThreadsInstagramFacebookLinkedInSubmit a question and if we answer it on air we'll send you Future U. swag!Sign up for Future U. emails to get special updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Are you ready to hear how one basement meeting sparked the creation of an industry-defining association? In this episode of The Landscaper's Guide, Jack Jostes chats with Rick Kier, one of the founding members of the Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA). Rick shares the captivating story of how eight determined individuals came together in Erie, Pennsylvania, with a vision that would eventually grow into an organization with thousands of members.Rick takes us back to his roots, starting his snow business at just 11 years old and building a career that spanned over four decades. He reflects on the hard work, the lessons learned, and the grit that carried him through the highs and lows of the industry.One key takeaway? The dangers of being the lowest bidder and why true value goes far beyond just price. Through Rick's extensive experience, listeners will learn about common mistakes contractors make and how to sidestep them.Rick also shares practical advice on building lasting client relationships and standing out by delivering quality and trust instead of just chasing the lowest bid. Tune in to gain insight and avoid years of trial and error as you grow your own snow and landscape business.Watch the full episode to explore: 

In this episode of The Founder Spirit, Jaideep Bansal, CEO of GHE Impact Ventures, shares his journey of bringing clean energy and sustainable development to over half a million people across the remotest communities in India.He discusses his formative experiences growing up and the importance of following your passion and purpose. Jaideep also talks about the challenges they faced in the early days and the importance of understanding the community's needs and co-creating solutions with them. Be ready to be transported to a remote Himalayan village!How did Jaideep drive the growth of GHE Impact Ventures to bring sustainable development across the remotest communities in India? TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

Today, I'm joined by Pranitha Patil, co-founder and COO of Function Health. Translating 100+ labs into personalized insights, Function is making advanced health data accessible and actionable — simplifying how members monitor and improve health over time. In this episode, we explore the company's mission to empower health agency. We also cover: • Function Health's rapid growth • Raising $53M in a celeb-packed Series A  • Pranitha's vision for an all-in-one health platform Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcast Subscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribe Follow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider Function Health's Website: https://www.functionhealth.com/  Function Health's IG: https://www.instagram.com/functionhealth/?hl=en  Pranitha's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pranithapatil/  - The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com to learn more about its smart workout solutions for fitness and health facilities.  Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/ Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/ Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/ Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:39) Background on Function Health (02:48) The Importance of Comprehensive Testing (05:15) Founding Story and Personal Motivation (09:22) Function's Membership and Testing Process (12:25) Integrating Data for Personalized Health (16:19) Future of Health Data and AI Integration (17:48) Affordable Membership Model (19:15) Company Growth and Waitlist Strategy (23:00) Fundraising and Future Goals (28:50) Data Privacy and Security (31:03) Future Roadmap (32:36) Conclusion

Disclaimer: This video is intended solely for educational purposes and opinions shared by the guest are his personal views. We do not seek to defame or harm any person/ brand/ product/ country/ profession mentioned in the video. Our goal is to provide information to help audience make informed choices. Visit College Vidya Website: https://cvadm.com/R2c8ny Order 'Build, Don't Talk' (in English) here: ⁠https://amzn.eu/d/eCfijRu⁠ Order 'Build Don't Talk' (in Hindi) here: ⁠https://amzn.eu/d/4wZISO0⁠ Follow Our Whatsapp Channel: ⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaokF5x0bIdi3Qn9ef2J⁠ Subscribe To Our Other YouTube Channels:- ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@rajshamaniclips⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@RajShamani.Shorts⁠

Talk to Your Pharmacist Podcast Interview - Danielle Vizcaino and Hillary BlackburnDanielle Vizcaino, President and CEO of The Assistance Fund (TAF), discussed the organization's role in providing financial assistance to patients facing high medical out-of-pocket costs. TAF, founded in 2009, has helped over 190,000 people, including 40,070 in 2023, with nearly 100 disease-specific programs. Vizcaino highlighted the importance of patient referrals and the unique features of TAF, such as year-long assistance and no cap on annual assistance. She emphasized the need for continued support and awareness, especially for rare diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy and hypophosphatasia. Vizcaino also shared her journey from molecular biology to healthcare administration and her commitment to improving healthcare accessibility.Introduction and Background of Danielle VizcainoHillary Blackburn welcomes Danielle Vizcaino and asks her to introduce herself and fill in any gaps in the intro.Danielle Vizcaino confirms her last name pronunciation and mentions the proposed items from Mark Meyer.Hillary Blackburn mentions she received the outline late due to being on vacation and will add it to her info.Danielle Vizcaino asks if she should be on camera; Hillary Blackburn mentions she hasn't done video yet but is open to it.Overview of The Assistance Fund (TAF)Hillary Blackburn introduces Danielle Vizcaino as President and CEO of The Assistance Fund (TAF) and provides a brief overview of the organization.Danielle Vizcaino shares her passion for healthcare from a young age and her educational background in molecular biology, microbiology, MPH, and MBA.She details her career path, including roles in mycobacteriology, healthcare administration, and her transition to TAF in 2016.Danielle Vizcaino shares a personal discovery about being a carrier of a rare disease, which deepened her commitment to improving healthcare accessibility.Details About The Assistance Fund (TAF)Danielle Vizcaino provides an introduction to TAF, explaining its role in helping patients and families with high medical out-of-pocket costs.She highlights TAF's 100 disease-specific programs and their impact, including helping over 190,000 people since 2009.Danielle Vizcaino mentions that in 2023, TAF helped 40,070 people, with many receiving year-after-year assistance due to genetic conditions.She discusses the importance of TAF's assistance, especially for insured patients with high-cost medical conditions.Danielle Vizcaino's Career Path and TAF's MissionHillary Blackburn asks Danielle Vizcaino about her path to becoming CEO of TAF and how she transitioned from molecular biology to nonprofit work.Danielle Vizcaino explains her initial interest in medicine and her shift towards healthcare administration and public health.She describes her experience with TAF, including building departments and infrastructure, and her eventual promotion to CEO in 2023.Danielle Vizcaino emphasizes the importance of TAF's mission and her gratitude for the opportunity to lead such a passionate team.TAF's Role and Impact in the Healthcare EcosystemHillary Blackburn and Danielle Vizcaino discuss the importance of TAF in helping insured patients access necessary treatments.Danielle Vizcaino explains the difference between independent charitable patient assistance organizations and manufacturer patient assistance programs.She highlights TAF's unique features, such as offering assistance for the entire calendar year and the importance of patient referrals.Danielle Vizcaino provides details on how patients can qualify for TAF assistance, including eligibility requirements and the importance of checking the website for new programs.Common Diseases and TAF's SupportHillary Blackburn asks about the most common diseases TAF supports, and Danielle Vizcaino mentions rare diseases, oncology, immunology, and respiratory conditions.Danielle Vizcaino shares specific examples of rare diseases TAF helps with, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and hypophosphatasia.She discusses the importance of TAF's support for patients with life-changing diseases and the role of donors in funding these efforts.Danielle Vizcaino encourages individuals to check TAF's website for new programs and to continue monitoring for new opportunities for assistance.Founding Story and Funding of TAFHillary Blackburn asks about TAF's founding story and how the organization supports patients across the country.Danielle Vizcaino explains that TAF was founded in 2009 by specialty pharmacists who recognized a need in the space.She highlights TAF's growth from a small organization to one with over 100 programs and close to 300 million in support.Danielle Vizcaino discusses TAF's individual philanthropy arm and the importance of corporate and individual funding for their programs.Advice for Aspiring Leaders and PharmacistsHillary Blackburn asks Danielle Vizcaino for advice for pharmacists and aspiring leaders in the healthcare field.Danielle Vizcaino emphasizes the importance of perseverance and commitment to making a difference in the community.She shares her own journey and the opportunities that arose from her passion and dedication to healthcare.Danielle Vizcaino encourages others to keep pushing forward and to look for opportunities to make an impact in the healthcare ecosystem.Conclusion and Closing RemarksHillary Blackburn thanks Danielle Vizcaino for sharing more about TAF and for being a guest on the podcast.Danielle Vizcaino expresses her appreciation for the opportunity to share TAF's story and mission.Guest - Danielle Vizcaino Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AssistanceFund Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theassistancefund/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-assistance-fund/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theassistancefund YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-rJY98PFtKyMCBpdYpzDEQ Website: https://tafcares.org/ Host - Hillary Blackburn, PharmD, MBAwww.hillaryblackburn.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-blackburn-67a92421/ 

Welcome back to the High Heels and Tea Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Mike Woods, the Executive Director and Founder of Dream Builders 4 Equity. His organization consists of a variety of programs with missions that include tackling the vacant home epidemic plaguing the St. Louis region. They achieve this by employing local minority youth and contractors to undertake large-scale community-led development projects. This not only puts money and equity back into the pockets of people within the community but also creates workforce development opportunities and helps scale minority-owned contracting businesses. EPISODE HIGHLIGHT: 1. (DB4E) is working to develop economically sustainable and socially engaged communities by growing equity for youth, businesses, residents, and real estate. CONNECT WITH US: - Mike Woods (DB4E) Website: https://www.dreambuilders4equity.org/ - Dream Builders 4 Equity InstaGram (@dreambuilders4equity) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/high-heels--tea-podcast/support

In this episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Rob, the founder of Washie, a revolutionary toilet seat that prioritizes hygiene and convenience. Rob shares his heartfelt story about his late friend, an entrepreneur who left a lasting impact on his life and the startup community.Join us as we explore Rob's entrepreneurial path, from his initial idea sparked at the Salt Lake City Airport to the challenges he faced while launching his product. He candidly discusses the emotional toll of entrepreneurship, the importance of mental health, and the support systems that helped him navigate tough times.Rob also recounts his unique experience of traveling to China with a local waiter, his journey on Shark Tank, and the pivotal moments that led to Washei's recent success in the market. With insights on building a business, the significance of community, and the lessons learned along the way, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone interested in the realities of startup life.00:00 - Introduction and Tribute to GLAAD00:30 - Connection with GLAAD01:15 - First Impressions of GLAAD02:00 - The Entrepreneurial Journey Together03:00 - The Impact of GLAAD's Passing04:00 - Mental Health in Entrepreneurship05:30 - Rob's Journey as an Entrepreneur06:00 - The Founding Story of Washie08:00 - Challenges Faced on Shark Tank10:00 - The Decision to Keep Going12:00 - The Role of YouTube in Learning15:00 - Manufacturing and the Trip to China18:00 - Building Relationships in China20:00 - Funding and the COVID Impact22:00 - Raising Money and Building a Community24:00 - First Major Sales Win26:00 - The Importance of Clean Restrooms28:00 - Future Opportunities for Washie30:00 - Overcoming Low Points32:00 - Family Challenges and Moving to Utah34:00 - Dealing with Bullying36:00 - Reflections on Mental Health38:00 - Looking Ahead for Washie40:00 - The Value of the Entrepreneurial Journey42:00 - Conclusion and Final ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links: https://www.washiepro.comSocial:Twitter - https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw

#9-11: The founding story of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, 2001. Cliff May, president FDD. 1904 Treasury Building

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Meat and Potatoes podcast! In this episode, we sit down with John Cordier, co-founder and CEO of Epistemix, a groundbreaking company that spun out of the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon. Epistemix is revolutionizing the way we forecast the spread of diseases, human behavior, and even economic trends using agent-based simulation models.   00:03 - Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:40 - Founding Story of Epistemix 02:04 - Early Applications and Public Health Goals 02:50 - Emergent Infectious Diseases and Biodefense 04:49 - Epidemic X and Human Behavior 06:05 - Behavioral Differences and Forecasting 08:08 - Economic Forecasting and Agent-Based Simulation 10:03 - Inspiring Curiosity and Policy Decision Making 11:27 - Empathy in Leadership and Decision Making 12:46 - Community Engagement and Policy Impact 15:30 - Broader Applications and Historical Context 17:07 - Consulting and Economic Policy 22:23 - Product Adoption Models and Clubhouse Example 24:02 - COVID-19 and Behavioral Impacts 24:38 - Silicon Valley Bank and Behavioral Economics 25:29 - Personal Story and Relocation to Salt Lake City 27:00 - Personal Background and Curiosity 27:48 - Conclusion and Future Outlook   If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions.  Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.com Show Links: https://www.originbrandmerch.com/   Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meat-potatoes-podcast/id1262148655   Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/4T9PSMVqgQNf7lCF3NdDgS?si=0e0945e56d5a4306   Social: Twitter - https://twitter.com/siliconslopes Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw

*TW: Discussion Around Eating Disorders* Ali is the Co-Founder and CEO of Oat Haus, the first-ever spreadable granola. Think the texture of nut butter, but the warm, familiar taste of granola.She founded Oat Haus back in 2018 as it was part of her recovery journey from disordered eating.  She searched high and low for a nut-free spread that resonated with her, but couldn't find one. She came up with the idea to create one out of oats, and Granola Butter was born! Now, Oat Haus is sold at over 5000 retailers across the country, including Whole Foods Market, Publix, Amazon, and Target.  All of this earned her a much deserved 2024 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Prior to Oat Haus, she thought she would be a doctor. She studied pre-med at the University of California Berkeley, earning a bachelors degree in nutritional sciences. While she ultimately decided not to become a doctor, she did continue in digital health for a few years, working in marketing at Doximity - the largest medical network. -----Past guests include Margaret Wishingrad, Kara Goldin, Brandi Chastain, Julie Foudy, Ann Miura Ko, Linda Avey, Sarah Leary, Becky Sauerbrunn and many more.Follow us on Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out the She Leads website-----In Today's Episode with Ali Bonar We Discuss:1. Early Childhood Passions + A Love for Food 2. Forgoing A Medical Career at Berkeley3. Choosing a Career Path + Trusting Your Inner Voice 4. Struggling with Eating Disorders + Journey to Recovery5. Founding Story of Oat Haus 6. Choosing a Co-Founder7. The Power of Delusion and Grit in Entrepreneurship8. Early Mistakes: Pressed Juice Story 9. Branding + Naming Lessons10. Power of Content Creation + Building Community 11. Empathy and Intuition are Superpowers Please share She Leads with a friend and Leave a Review!

In this fascinating episode, we sit down with Henry O'Connell, co-founder of Canary Speech, to explore the groundbreaking world of speech analysis and its applications in healthcare. Discover how Canary Speech is revolutionizing the way we understand and diagnose neurological diseases, behavioral health issues, and cognitive impairments through advanced natural language processing (NLP) and vocal biomarkers.00:00 Introduction to language13:07 The Evolution of Natural Language Processing15:19 Founding Story of the Company20:01 Application of Speech Analysis in Healthcare23:00 Data Collection Methods27:00 Detailed Example: Huntington's Disease33:00 The Musical Element of Speech36:00 Practical Applications in Clinical Settings38:00 Empathy and Natural Talent in Speech Analysis43:00 Applications Beyond Healthcare50:00 Ethical Considerations and Security52:46 Future Applications and Paired Neural Nets56:00 Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts01:00:00 Integration with Existing Healthcare Systems01:01:27 Mental Health Assessment and TreatmentIf you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Our website: https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links: https://www.hirebloom.com/Social:Twitter - https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw

In this episode of the Grow Your B2B SaaS Podcast, Joran hosts Thomas De Clerck, founder of Luzmo (formerly Cumul), a company specializing in AI-powered analytics solutions for businesses. Thomas, who brings extensive experience from previous roles at Google and other tech companies, shares his journey from Luzmo's inception in 2015 to its current status with over €5 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR).  Thomas' story provides a masterclass in navigating the complexities of scaling a SaaS startup and offers invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. Tune in to explore the key takeaways from his experience that can guide you on the path to success. Key Timecodes (00:43) - Guest Introduction (01:13) - Company Overview (01:48) - Funding and Growth (02:27) - Product and Services (02:30) - Company Description (03:00) - Personal Journey (03:39) - Motivation and Goals (04:48) - Challenges and Learning (06:15) - Founding Story and Pivot (08:16) - Market Feedback and Success (09:38) - Early Customers and Growth Tactics (11:01) - Equity and Incubator Programs (11:16) - Rock Bottom Moments (12:07) - U.S. Market Entry (13:10) - Company Challenges (14:13) - Go-to-Market Strategy (15:21) - Successful Strategies (16:25) - Additional Go-to-Market Techniques (18:03) - Critical Decisions (19:24) - New Initiatives and AI (20:29) - Rebranding (21:51) - Outbound and Sales Scaling (22:58) - AI and Machine Learning (25:09) - Reflections and Learnings (26:54) - Practical Advice for Founders (28:05) - Advice for Early-Stage Founders (30:24) - Advice for Scaling Founders (32:22) - Summary (33:11) - Closing Remarks

In this episode I sat down with Robin Long, Founder & CEO of Lindywell, to explore her entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of Lindywell, a pioneering fitness and wellness company. Robin shares insights into her transition from teaching in-person Pilates to launching digital workouts and cultivating a thriving online community, with over 227K followers on Instagram. The Lindywell app now offers 300+ on-demand Pilates workout videos, and is available in 169+ countries. It has been awarded "Best Pilates App" by Women's Health and is a Health Fitness Award "App and Virtual Fitness" award winner. Robin has now also released her first book Well To The Core. We dive into the full story of how she built this company from the ground up, what it looks like today, and what it's been like to grow her family alongside it all.   HIGHLIGHTS Introduction to Lindywell: Lindywell, founded by Robin Long, offers digital Pilates and wellness programs aimed at empowering women through accessible health solutions. Founding Story and Early Challenges: Robin Long started Lindywell with in-person Pilates instruction and later transitioned to digital platforms, initially navigating the challenges of running the business solo and building a platform with no tech experience. Community and Member Feedback: Lindywell's growth is fueled by actively listening to member feedback, focusing on inclusivity, and providing personalized health solutions. Business Expansion and Personal Journey: Robin has expanded Lindywell from its beginnings to now employing a team of full-time staff and contractors, all while balancing her role as a parent to four children. The Toll of Burnout: Robin found out why it's so important to be aware of our own wellness and make it a priority before we reach burnout, which she struggled with even as a wellness brand owner.   RESOURCES + LINKS Get 14 FREE days on the Lindywell app  Get 5 FREE workouts now  Order Robin's Well To The Core Book Order Lindywell Products Listen to the Lindywell Podcast   FOLLOW ROBIN Website - lindywell.com IG - instagram.com/wearelindywell  IG - instagram.com/robinmarielong Blog - lindywell.com/blog   FOLLOW US @quotablemediaco @quotablemagazine If you have any other tips or ideas leave a comment or shoot me a DM on Instagram.     Quotable: A Female Entrepreneur Podcast is the podcast by and for female entrepreneurs and business owners. For any show ideas, to submit a guest to the podcast, or if you have any questions, please visit quotablemediaco.com/podcast.   Did you love this week's episode? Leave us a review wherever you're listening right now! Or, comment on this week's episode's Instagram post with how this has inspired you! 

Use code LAPLATICA for $20 off your first SeatGeek order. https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/LAPLATICA NASCAR is heading back to California! Don't miss the road course action, live from Sonoma Raceway. June 9th, 12:30PT/3:30 PM ET on FOX!! TASTE SALUD BIRTHDAY SALE! 20% OFF SITEWIDE USE CODE: BDAY20 https://tastesalud.com/discount/BDAY20 Follow us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/ayyysebas/ https://www.instagram.com/thejoshleyva/ https://www.instagram.com/laplatica/ https://www.instagram.com/tylermccann/