Podcasts about startup success

Can you really build and launch a startup without writing code, or even knowing how to?As AI tools promise lightning-fast product development, many founders still fall into old traps: over-validating, under-executing, or waiting too long for a technical cofounder.In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein are joined by Eric Simons, founder of StackBlitz and creator of the viral AI app builder Bolt.new. Eric shares how modern tools like Bolt and Cursor are redefining what it means to be a founder, turning product managers, designers, and even marketers into full-stack startup builders.They explore how AI coding agents are changing team composition, cycle times, and what the real founder skillset looks like in 2025.In this episode, you will:Discover why reality-based iteration—not ideas—is the true startup superpowerLearn how AI tools like Bolt give non-technical founders real shots on goalUnderstand the evolving role of the technical cofounder in the AI eraCompare top-down and bottom-up AI workflows (e.g. Bolt vs Cursor)Avoid common pitfalls when prompting AI tools to build production-grade appsExplore how startup team roles are converging—and where creative tension still mattersHear the origin story of Bolt's breakout growth and what made it an overnight success (after 7 years)The Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

In this episode, Melissa Perri is joined by Julia Austin, Author, Lecturer at Harvard Business School, and Founder of Good For Her, to discuss the essentials of building a strong startup foundation. They delve into the importance of understanding your customer and the problem you're solving, the dynamics of co-founder relationships, and transitioning to outcome-based roadmaps. Julia shares insights on how AI can play a role in product development and gives advice for first-time product managers in startups.Julia emphasizes the need for founders to focus on financial and legal aspects, often overlooked in the excitement of building a product. The conversation offers valuable advice for product managers and founders aiming to build sustainable and successful startups.Want to gain insights into building a strong foundation for your startup and the role of product managers? Listen to the full episode for practical tips and strategies from Julia's extensive experience.You'll hear us talk about:05:20 - Understanding Foundational Work in StartupsJulia Austin discusses why startups should spend 80% of their time on foundational work and discovery, emphasizing the importance of understanding the problem and target audience before developing solutions.12:45 - Transitioning to Outcome-Based RoadmapsMelissa Perri explains how product managers can shift from feature-based roadmaps to outcome-based ones, focusing on connecting outputs to outcomes and effectively communicating with stakeholders.24:10 - Advice for First Product Managers in StartupsJulia provides tips for new product managers on building trust with founders by understanding the company's history and aligning with the founders' vision to help structure the startup's roadmap and priorities.Episode resources:Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaaustin/After the Idea book: https://www.aftertheideabook.com/Check our new course: https://productinstitute.com/p/mastering-product-strategy-overviewTimestamps:00:00 Introduction03:08 Dear Melissa08:34 Understanding Founder Relationships15:53 Operational Foundations for Startups26:20 Applying AI Thoughtfully35:26 Role of PMs in Startups43:48 Closing Remarks

Maor Shlomo is the founder of Base44, an AI-powered app builder that he bootstrapped to an over $80 million acquisition by Wix in just six months. As a solo founder (with severe ADHD), he hit $1 million ARR just three weeks after launch and grew the product to more than 400,000 users, all while navigating two wars in Israel and never raising a dollar of outside funding.What you'll learn:1. The growth playbook that took Base44 from three friends to 400,000 users without spending any money on marketing2. How he hasn't written a single line of front-end code in three months—and how to structure your code repository to make it easier for AI to write your code3. His AI productivity stack that allowed him to compete against heavily funded competitors4. Why being a solo founder in AI might be the ultimate advantage (and the wedding story that almost killed the business)5. The story of signing the $80M acquisition deal while war broke out with Iran6. How to identify when to sell vs. stay independent (and why Maor chose acquisition despite being highly profitable)7. The counterintuitive product decision that tripled activation by removing a “helpful” feature8. How building in public on LinkedIn drove more growth than any paid channel—Brought to you by:Sauce—Turn customer pain into product revenue: https://sauce.app/lennyDscout—The UX platform to capture insights at every stage: from ideation to production: https://www.dscout.com/Contentsquare—Create better digital experiences: https://contentsquare.com/lenny/—Transcript: ⁠https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/the-base44-bootstrapped-startup-success-story-maor-shlomo⁠—My biggest takeaways (for paid newsletter subscribers): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/i/167384119/my-biggest-takeaways-from-this-conversation—Where to find Maor Shlomo:• X: https://x.com/ms_base44• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maor-shlomo-1088b4144/—Where to find Lenny:• Newsletter: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com• X: https://twitter.com/lennysan• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennyrachitsky/—In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introduction to Maor and Base44(08:16) The origin story: how Base44 came to be(14:55) Bootstrapping and solo founding: challenges and insights(22:52) Productivity hacks and tech stack for solo founders(27:23) How to get started using Base44(28:47) Thoughts on raising money(34:05) Distribution in the age of AI(36:09) Ambition and goals(40:05) Growth strategies: from first users to thousands(51:32) Building in public(57:42) The solo founder journey(01:00:23) Community support(01:03:23) Hackathons and partnerships(01:06:42) The importance of velocity in product development(01:08:20) Technical stack and infrastructure insights(01:15:24) Activation lessons(01:18:19) The acquisition journey with Wix(01:25:14) Final thoughts and advice for founders—Referenced:• Base44: https://base44.com/• Retool: https://retool.com/• Tzofim: https://www.israelscouts.org/• Y Combinator: https://www.ycombinator.com/• RescueTime: https://www.rescuetime.com/• Cursor: https://www.cursor.com/• Wix: https://www.wix.com/• The rise of Cursor: The $300M ARR AI tool that engineers can't stop using | Michael Truell (co-founder and CEO): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/the-rise-of-cursor-michael-truell• Building Lovable: $10M ARR in 60 days with 15 people | Anton Osika (CEO and co-founder): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/building-lovable-anton-osika• Inside Bolt: From near-death to ~$40m ARR in 5 months—one of the fastest-growing products in history | Eric Simons (founder and CEO of StackBlitz): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/inside-bolt-eric-simons• Behind the product: Replit | Amjad Masad (co-founder and CEO): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/behind-the-product-replit-amjad-masad• Everyone's an engineer now: Inside v0's mission to create a hundred million builders | Guillermo Rauch (founder and CEO of Vercel, creators of v0 and Next.js): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/everyones-an-engineer-now-guillermo-rauch• Snowflake: https://www.snowflake.com• Yoav Orlev on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoav-orlev-4a044b72• WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/• Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/• Google: https://about.google/• MongoDB: https://www.mongodb.com/• Deloitte: https://www.deloitte.com/• Render: Render.com• Claude 4: https://www.anthropic.com/news/claude-4• Gemini: https://gemini.google.com/app• Cloudflare: https://www.cloudflare.com/—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com.Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed. To hear more, visit www.lennysnewsletter.com

Send us a textDo you feel stuck living paycheck to paycheck—and dream of building lasting financial freedom? In this episode, Sun Yong Kim-Manzellini shares how she went from earning $35,000 a year as a single mom to building a seven-figure business by learning to trade, shifting her mindset, and taking bold action.Raised in South Korean orphanages and adopted to the U.S. at 14, Sun Yong overcame adversity most can't imagine. After working over three decades in the medical field and still struggling financially, she realized her “dream job” wouldn't create her dream life. So she made a change—and transformed her future in just one year.This inspiring conversation is packed with powerful insights to help you break free from financial limitations and start designing a life of freedom—on your terms.What You'll Learn:✅ How to escape the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle✅ Strategies for creating financial freedom through investing✅ The mindset shifts that open doors to wealth✅ How small actions lead to massive transformation✅ Why your past doesn't define your potential

In this episode, we're joined by Stoyan Yankov – a global productivity coach, keynote speaker, and one of the most practical voices when it comes to building high-performing teams.Stoyan has worked with over 550 teams across 35+ countries, helping them cut through the noise, clarify priorities, and actually get things done. He's the co-author of two bestselling books, PERFORM: The Unsexy Truth about (Startup) Success and PERFORM in Times of Crisis, where he lays out a framework that goes way beyond hacks—think culture, clarity, and consistent execution.But there's more to Stoyan than strategy frameworks. He's the host of Productivity Mastery, a podcast that's now over 200 episodes strong, featuring voices from Netflix, Reebok, and beyond. And if you've ever seen him speak live—from TEDx stages to startup accelerators—you'll know he brings relentless energy and genuine care to every interaction.In this conversation, Stoyan shares how he went from film producer to productivity coach, why emotional clarity beats hustle every time, and how small changes—like a 20-minute planning ritual—can completely shift a team's trajectory.Especially worth listening for: his approach to “clearing mental noise” and how tools he developed has helped hundreds of founders, managers and experts to refocus when things get overwhelming.A practical, honest, and refreshingly human take on productivity - straight from someone who lives it every day.Stoyan Yankov: https://dk.linkedin.com/in/stoyanyankov?trk=public_post_feed-actor-nameVisible Leader: https://visible-leader.com/

Amy Cosper has spent her career at the intersection of business, creativity, and storytelling. As the former Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, she shaped the conversation around startups, innovation, and leadership, bringing the journeys of founders and disruptors to millions of readers worldwide. She's won Neal Awards for editorial excellence, redefined business media, and continues championing entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Her most recent book is The Ultimate Guide to Startup Success, an inspiring step-by-step guide to launching a business. As the former Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, she shaped the conversation around startups, innovation, and leadership—bringing the journeys of founders and disruptors to millions of readers worldwide. With a career spanning editorial leadership, content strategy, and digital media, Amy has built brands, guided entrepreneurs, and uncovered what makes businesses thrive. She has spoken at global conferences, launched award-winning content initiatives, and led Bizee.com as Head of Content. She also hosts the Get Bizee Podcast. Her expertise isn't just theoretical—Amy has lived and breathed entrepreneurship, working directly with founders, business owners, and industry leaders to understand what separates success from failure. Now, she's bringing that insight to you. Today's episode speaks about success, mindset and happiness, money and the actual fulfillment in life! 

Welcome to another riveting episode of The Proven Entrepreneur Show, hosted by the ever-curious and seasoned entrepreneur Don Williams. With nearly four decades of entrepreneurial grit under his belt, Don brings listeners into the minds of those who've not only dared to dream but dared to do — and do it exceptionally well.In this episode, Don sits down with a guest whose resume reads like a startup fairy tale — but with all the grit, grind, and gut-wrenching moments that make it real. Meet Gregory Shepard: Fulbright Scholar, TEDx speaker, author of The Startup Lifecycle, and the rare entrepreneur who's built and sold 12 companies — each one a success story in its own right.But this isn't just a highlight reel. Gregory opens up about the soul-crushing detour into politics, the sleepless nights wondering how to make payroll, and the raw truth behind why most startups fail — even when they have a great product. He shares how a five-year, $500,000 research project led to the creation of Startup Science, a platform designed to fix the fragmented startup ecosystem and help founders avoid the very pitfalls he once faced.As the conversation unfolds, listeners are taken on a journey through the startup lifecycle — not the one you read in textbooks, but the one forged in the trenches. Gregory challenges conventional wisdom, especially the advice founders often receive from investors. He introduces the concept of the Ideal Acquirer Profile (IAP), a game-changing strategy that flips the traditional startup model on its head: build your company with the buyer in mind from day one.From the dangers of overvaluation to the hidden costs of premature scaling, Gregory breaks down the anatomy of failure — and more importantly, how to avoid it. He speaks candidly about being neurodivergent, growing up in poverty, and how those experiences shaped his resilience and perspective as a founder.This episode isn't just for entrepreneurs — it's for anyone who's ever faced a mountain and wondered if they had what it takes to climb it. Gregory Shepard doesn't just offer advice; he offers a roadmap, forged in fire, for how to build something that lasts — and how to walk away from it with your head held high.So grab your headphones, settle in, and prepare to rethink everything you thought you knew about startups. Because this isn't just another business podcast — it's a masterclass in entrepreneurial survival.

Bob Young co-founded Red Hat, the first company to build a successful business around open source software, and helped shape the modern internet in the process. In this episode, Bob shares the story of how Red Hat went from a CD in a Ziploc bag to a billion-dollar business that inspired GitHub, Coinbase, and much of the cloud infrastructure we use today.But this conversation is about more than just software. Bob opens up about betting his family's finances on Red Hat, the moment he realized he wasn't meant to be a public company CEO, and why he believes capitalism, when done right, can be a powerful force for good.He also shares what he's building now (including a needlepoint company), how he thinks about failure, and the one principle he thinks every founder should live by.Where to find Bob:Lulu.comNeedlepoint.comTimestamps:(00:00) The challenge of fragmented attention and overbooked schedules(05:09) Red Hat's founding story and the philosophy behind open source(08:56) Why the internet is the world's largest open source project(13:34) From newsletter publishing to reinventing Linux(19:49) Why customers chose Red Hat: control, not cost(22:12) The business model insight that changed everything(24:44) How IBM's services model inspired Red Hat's structure(27:36) Scaling Linux for enterprise and dealing with constant updates(36:24) Proprietary software as a modern feudal system(43:33) Racking up $50K in credit card debt to keep Red Hat alive(49:01) Trust, marriage, and startup risk(55:05) Leaving Red Hat and why Bob stepped down as CEO(59:23) What sleep taught Bob about optimism and recovery(01:06:10) Red Hat's culture of ownership and accountability(01:14:24) Why Bob still builds: making the world a better place through business(01:15:02) The importance of discipline and organization(01:17:08) Founders' advice: serve customer needs, not just wantsIn this episode, you'll learn:How Red Hat became the first successful open source companyWhy control—not price—is the real value of open source softwareWhat makes transparency a business strategy, not just a virtueHow capitalism and idealism can actually alignWhy understanding customer needs matters more than their wantsThe difference between proprietary and democratic tech systemsHow to build culture that owns mistakes and learns out loudWhat it really means to commit to your co-founder and spouseHow to navigate failure, burnout, and your own limitations as a leaderWhat keeps Bob starting new companies in his third and fourth actsConnect with Alisa! Follow Alisa Cohn on Instagram: @alisacohn Twitter: @alisacohn Facebook: facebook.com/alisa.cohn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisacohn/ Website: http://www.alisacohn.com Download her 5 scripts for delicate conversations (and 1 to make your life better) Grab a copy of From Start-Up to Grown-Up by Alisa Cohn from Amazon

In this episode of Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews Amir Barsoum, Founder & CEO of InVitro Capital, about how his venture studio is changing the way startups are built. Focused on AI and service-based businesses, Amir shares why the traditional VC model is broken—and how his approach unlocks smarter, faster growth. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Most founders don't know what their differentiator is. That's a problem. Today, we walk through two paths to help you find a differentiator strong enough to anchor a business. We also help you root out bad differentiators - the ones that'll just waste your time. There's also a story about a Rabbi's wisdom, a founder making decaf coffee, and a poison ivy company I'm obsessed with. Tacklebox - start your company before you quit your jobHow to Find Your WedgeHow to Use Landing Page Tests 00:30 Differentiator Intro01:45 Rabbi Joke05:15 Smooth Jazz05:45 How to Find Your Differentiator06:46 Path 1: Letting a Customer Tell You11:41 Path 2: Four Questions to Pick Your Differentiator19:32 How to Test Differentiators21:00 The Reality of Differentiators (Downer)22:16 The End - Taking Yourself Seriously

Ever had an idea so specific that everyone told you it wouldn't work? Nelson Nigel heard that too, right before scaling his niche startup, Kidmoto, to over 60 cities across the U.S. Nelson is the founder and CEO of Kidmoto, a reservation-based ride service that provides pre-installed child car seats for families traveling to and from airports.  After surviving a life-threatening train accident at age 13 and later working as a NYC cab and Uber driver, Nelson spotted a critical gap in the rideshare market – one that Uber and traditional taxis weren't solving. So, with just $600 and relentless energy, he built a solution parents now rely on nationwide. What Happens When You Build a Business Around One Clear Problem Most ride services leave families on their own when it comes to car seats, creating travel stress and safety risks. Nelson shares how identifying this single, overlooked pain point helped Kidmoto stand out in a crowded market. By going all-in on solving this one issue, he built a business that serves a specific type of customer better than anyone else. How to Grow Without Investors, Funding, or a Tech Background No VC backing. No glamorous startup story. Nelson built everything from the ground up – outsourcing tech, mastering content marketing, and learning to prioritize the right problems at the right time. If you've ever wondered whether you really need outside funding to grow, Nelson's story is proof that focus, grit, and great execution can take you further than you think. Enjoy this episode with Nelson Nigel... Soundbytes 26:56 - 27:05 “Rome was not built in one day, and Rome was not built by one man, so stay in your lane and let the professionals do what they do best.” 11:32 - 11:42 “It's like everyone refrained from doing this because it just wasn't feasible. But, sometimes the riches are in the niches.” Quotes “Try many things. Fall down. Just get back up and keep moving, keep moving, keep moving, keep moving.” “86,400 seconds in a day. We have to utilize it, because life is great.” “Steve Jobs once said that your time is limited. Don't waste it living someone else's life.” “We focused on something that every company refrained from doing, including Uber, and we built out a consumer base on that one niche.” Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://kidmoto.taxi/  Connect with Nelson Nigel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelsonnigel/  Connect with brandiD Download our free guide to learn 16 crucial website updates that attract more leads and convert visitors into clients: https://thebrandid.com/website-tweaks/ Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website?  Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

In this episode of The Retail Pilot, we're joined by Scott Friend, a longtime leader in the retail and venture capital world. A partner at Bain Capital Ventures and the co-founder of ProfitLogic, Scott shares his journey from operator to investor, his unique lens on early-stage startups, and what separates great founders from the rest. We unpack the evolution of BCV over the past 20 years, the power of founder-market fit, and why customer success is non-negotiable in today's startup landscape.Scott offers candid insights on investing in companies like Rent the Runway, Jet.com, Attentive, Miracle, and Archive, plus his take on AI's growing influence in commerce. From the one that got away (Peloton) to his thoughts on grit, momentum, and the founder's mindset, this conversation is packed with value for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone passionate about the future of commerce.Key Topics Covered:Scott's journey from building ProfitLogic to investing at Bain Capital VenturesWhat makes a founder stand out (and why most are first-timers)How BCV approaches early-stage vs. growth-stage investingCommon characteristics of breakout founders like Jen Hyman and Marc LoreThe importance of customer success and analytic rigorAI's disruptive role in commerce platformsWhy focus and momentum matter more than perfectionPersonal stories behind high-stakes risk and reward (including Jet.com)The investment that got away and the companies he'd double down onRapid fire: Favorite show, CEO admiration, and meeting the Dalai LamaIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your network. For more insights on the future of commerce and investing, follow The Retail Pilot wherever you get your podcasts.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What does it look like to take a neuroscience degree far beyond the lab? In this episode, we explore a career path that crosses scientific research, government regulation, and biotech entrepreneurship with Dr. Amanda Wiggins, CEO of The cGP Lab. Amanda began her career investigating neurodegeneration and cortical spreading depression. Over time, her passion for real-world impact led her into public policy—where she helped shape New Zealand's Human Tissue Act and advised on regulations for stem cell research and genetic technologies. Today, she leads a company advancing neuroprotective health supplements based on cyclic Glycine-Proline (cGP), a molecule with growing potential in aging and cognitive health. We talk about: How to navigate transitions between academia, government, and business The challenges of working across disciplines—and how to build confidence in new spaces Lessons learned from leading regulatory change and scaling innovation Amanda's work at The cGP Lab and the science behind cGP's potential in brain health Advice for scientists who want to move into leadership, entrepreneurship, or public engagement This conversation is for anyone considering a non-linear career in neuroscience or wondering how to apply scientific training in new and meaningful ways. Chapters: 00:00:02 - Bridging Neuroscience and Biotech Innovation 00:04:06 - FDA Approval of Trofinetide for Rett Syndrome 00:07:27 - My Journey in Science and Identity 00:09:22 - Pursuing a PhD in Melbourne 00:11:55 - Choosing a PhD Topic 00:17:26 - Challenges and Motivation in PhD Journey 00:20:54 - Transition from Academia to Regulatory Work 00:22:52 - Transitioning from Academia to Policy 00:25:51 - Advising on the Human Tissue Act 00:29:18 - Advocating Biotechnology in New Zealand 00:33:51 - Regulations and Challenges in Biotechnology 00:37:49 - Newborn Blood Screening and Research Ethics 00:41:22 - Transitioning from Science to Biotech 00:46:04 - Challenges of Startup Success 00:48:34 - Journey to Neuroactive Innovation 00:55:23 - Mentorship and Startup Advice 00:58:49 - Dementia Prevention and Early Detection 01:02:03 - Exploring Alzheimer's Research Frontiers 01:06:45 - Advancing Your Neurocareer About the Podcast Guest:

Anya Chang - Taelor.Style On Getting the Style Right: "We tend to know about the best performing clothes and also those brands from all over the world that are high quality and really, really good be able to find a home here." Men's clothing styles can be challenging.  As professional people, going around meeting other professionals, we want to look professional.  But when it comes to shopping, many men aren't interested in running around and having to decide what looks good.  We want the clothes to just show up at our doorstep. This is a problem that Anya Chang of Taelor.Style has solved.  Utilizing AI to help men get the clothes they want that fit the style they are going for, Anya helps these men rent clothes.  Much like Netflix DVD's from back in the day.  This allows her clients to enjoy the clothes and keep a fresh and new wardrobe.  Pretty clever, right? The beauty is the combination of clothes showing up, then they can be shipped back without washing them.  Then more clothing shows up.  This is an ideal way to stay fresh, trendy and noticed, while maintaining working as a busy professional looking for a minimum maintenance lifestyle. Anya discusses her past in Silicon Valley and how she developed Taelor.Style to help the busy professional man. Listen as Anya discusses her entrepreneurial journey, her wins, along with a few losses, and the learning curve that comes with delving into the garment industry. Enjoy! Visit Anya at: https://taelor.style/     Podcast Overview: 00:00 AI-Driven Men's Clothing Service 05:49 AI-Driven Personalized Styling Service 06:59 AI-Enhanced Fashion Styling Data 11:25 Airport Attire: Casual Evolution 13:57 Pushing Fashion Boundaries 18:24 Fashion Sustainability and Concierge Expansion 21:29 Startup Success in Men's Fashion Industry 24:17 "Rivalry: Northwestern vs. UChicago" 27:51 Early Struggles of a Startup Launch 31:37 Innovative, Sustainable Startup with Local Support 36:02 AI-Enhanced Fashion Styling Service 37:44 Eco-Friendly Clothing Rental Practices 43:04 Efficient Travel Clothing System 43:58 Emerging Taiwanese Textile Brands 47:11 Future Unicorn Exploring Potential Sale 50:25 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Rejection 54:28 "Appreciation for Package Logistics" Podcast Transcription: Anya Chang [00:00:00]: Typical. AI doesn't know the future. AI know the past. But then those 300 brand, they are designing the collection two years down the road. They are trendsetters for the work. We are like the executive assistant, they are concierge, they are butlers. So we really is helping them to get ready for their week. They are buying the MySpace, they are buying the time. Anya Chang [00:00:18]: They don't want to look good actually, but they want to be successful. Our customers tend to start trying something new than before. A lot of guys when they signed up, we open their closet only blue. There's nothing else, just blue. And they only have the same dress shirt, the same brand in the last 10 years. No one is going to interview us since we are so small. So I wait outside of a press room. When the reporter came out, I delivered my business card and said hey, this is our business which we haven't started. Anya Chang [00:00:44]: At the time it was just idea. I follow up a few times. She said I'm really not interested in these stories. Please stop emailing me. Apple box come in. It does not come in with the name Apple outside because what they want to achieve is they want to prevent thief. They don't want anyone steal those things. James Kademan [00:01:00]: Have found Authentic Business Adventures, the business program that brings you the struggle stories and triumphant successes of business owners across the land. Downloadable audio episodes can be found in the podcast link funded drawincustomers.com we are locally underwritten by the bank of Sun Prairie Calls on call Extraordinary Answering Service as well as the Bold Business book.

In this episode of Market Mondays, we break down the biggest headlines shaping business and investing. We dive into Robinhood's recent surge after being added to the S&P 500, explore China's dominance in the EV space, and reveal the official lineup for Invest Fest 2025. We also unpack the unexpected beef between Elon Musk and Donald Trump — and its potential impact on Tesla stock.Special guest Paul Judge joins the show to share game-changing insights on startup investing, winning traits of successful founders, and how to spot the next big industry before it explodes. We also cover how to stay ahead of the curve with AI, red flags for entrepreneurs to avoid, and powerful lessons from real-life investment stories. Don't miss the exclusive look at the Invest Fest Pitch Competition!Link for Invest Fest Tickets & Pitch Comp: https://investfest.com#MarketMondays #InvestFest2025 #Robinhood #EVmarket #Tesla #PaulJudge #ElonMusk #DonaldTrump #StartupInvesting #AI #BullMarket #StockMarket #FinancialLiteracy #EarnYourLeisureSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marketmondays/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

From the streets to the boardroom, Ken Miller's story is nothing short of extraordinary. In this powerful interview, Ken shares how he transformed from a homeless, three-time felon battling addiction to a multi-business owner, author, and mentor making a difference in countless lives.In this episode:- Ken's inspiring journey of overcoming addiction and incarceration- Life lessons from the penitentiary to the C-suite- The turning point that changed everything- Why AI is the ultimate equalizer, and how Ken built an AI company- His powerful mentoring model that's transforming young men's lives- The book Becoming Ken, and why it's a must-readIf you've ever faced setbacks, questioned your worth, or wondered how to turn pain into purpose, this episode is for you.Follow more of Ken:- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kenmiller84- Website: KenMillerSpeaks.comFollow more of the Liftoff with Keith:- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589- Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeith/- Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: sponsorships@wherewithstudio.com

This episode's guest is someone who's spent her career studying—and championing—entrepreneurs who don't always fit the Silicon Valley mold. Dr. Lori Rosenkopf is the Vice Dean of Entrepreneurship at the Wharton School and the author of the new book Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation. In this short guide, Lori explores how success doesn't have to mean dropping out of college to start a venture-backed unicorn in your garage. Instead, she highlights seven distinct paths that entrepreneurs can take to build impactful ventures, whether they're bootstrapped, mission-driven, or even working within larger companies. Drawing on her years of research and mentoring at one of the world's top business schools, Lori introduces what she calls the “Six Rs” of entrepreneurial mindset—Reason, Relationships, Resilience, Resources, Results, and Recombination—as core principles that help explain why some founders succeed where others falter. In this conversation, we talk about the entrepreneurs Lori profiled in her book—from disruptors and acquirers to accidental founders—and what their stories can teach us about resilience and innovation.  If you've ever thought “I'm not the typical entrepreneur,” perhaps Lori will convince you that maybe there's no such thing. Discussed in this episode Lori discusses the work of Spirovant Sciences and its CEO Dr. Joan Lau. Paul recommends reading Shoe Dog and Super Founders. Wharton offers curriculum in Entrepreneurship & Innovation for both undergraduates and MBAs. The Venture Lab is Penn's home for student entrepreneurs.  Some entrepreneurs rely on SBA loans rather than equity investments.  The Hult Competition is a global competition that challenges university students to develop innovative social enterprises that address pressing global issues. Get to know Lori Rosenkopf Lori Rosenkopf is the Simon and Midge Palley Professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. As Vice Dean for Entrepreneurship, she serves as Wharton's faculty director for Venture Lab, Penn's home for student entrepreneurs, and also their San Francisco campus. In a prior role as Vice Dean of Wharton's Undergraduate Division, she introduced a new curriculum and developed experiential classwork in the tech sector. For over thirty years, Rosenkopf has taught entrepreneurship and management of technology to more than 20,000 high schoolers, undergraduates, MBAs, and executives, connecting these learners to many of the most entrepreneurial alumni at Wharton and Penn through treks, panels, and classes. Rosenkopf received her PhD in Management of Organizations from Columbia University, her MS in Operations Research from Stanford University, and her BS in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering from Cornell University. She worked as a systems engineer at AT&T Bell Laboratories and Eastman Kodak between her degrees. Rosenkopf lives in Philadelphia with her partner, Allan, and their dog, Winston.

Want to Start or Grow a Successful Business? Schedule a FREE 13-Point Assessment with Clay Clark Today At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com   Join Clay Clark's Thrivetime Show Business Workshop!!! Learn Branding, Marketing, SEO, Sales, Workflow Design, Accounting & More. **Request Tickets & See Testimonials At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com  **Request Tickets Via Text At (918) 851-0102   See the Thousands of Success Stories and Millionaires That Clay Clark Has Helped to Produce HERE: https://www.thrivetimeshow.com/testimonials/ Download A Millionaire's Guide to Become Sustainably Rich: A Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Successful Money-Generating and Time-Freedom Creating Business HERE: www.ThrivetimeShow.com/Millionaire   See Thousands of Case Studies Today HERE: www.thrivetimeshow.com/does-it-work/  

Did you like the episode? Send me a text and let me know!!Top Marketing Strategies for New Entrepreneurs with AI InsightsIn this episode of 'Business Conversations with Pi,' host Skoob and AI co-host Pi, created by Anthropic, delve into essential marketing strategies for new entrepreneurs. They discuss effective techniques such as content marketing, social media engagement, influencer partnerships, email marketing, and paid advertising. The conversation highlights cost-effective options for those on a budget and recommends valuable marketing books. Tune in for actionable advice to turn your startup dreams into reality.#EntrepreneurshipTips#StartupMarketing#ContentMarketing#SocialMediaMarketing#BusinessGrowth#NewEntrepreneur#MarketingStrategies#SmallBusinessTips#DigitalMarketing#BusinessPodcast 

Meet the CMO and co-founder behind one of the fastest-growing creative services in the world. From bootstrapping a startup to building an Inc. 5000 company, Johnathan Grzybowski has redefined how businesses access high-quality creative talent. In this episode, we dive into his journey with a global subscription-based design service, his approach to leadership, and the personal stories that fuel his mission to help others. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative, or simply navigating the balance between business and family, Johnathan brings real, relatable insights you won't want to miss.Johnathan Grzybowski is the CMO and Co-Founder of Penji, a creative subscription service revolutionizing how businesses access top-tier creative talent. Bootstrapped from the ground up, Penji has served thousands of clients worldwide and earned recognition as an Inc. 5000 company. With a background in International Studies and Business, Johnathan transformed early entrepreneurial challenges into opportunities by making creative talent more accessible for businesses of all sizes.Outside of Penji, Johnathan is a storyteller and content creator. He hosts Dear Dads—a heartfelt platform for fathers to share their journeys, inspired by his love for his family—and Free Ideas, offering entrepreneurs actionable strategies to elevate their businesses daily. As a husband, father, and business leader, Johnathan's guiding principle is simple: help those who help others. Whether discussing business growth, bootstrapping success, or balancing life and leadership, Johnathan delivers authentic, practical insights to every conversation.Contact Johnathan:Email: johnathan@penji.co Website: https://penji.co/?nab=4  Remember to SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss "Information That You Can Use." Share Just Minding My Business with your family, friends, and colleagues. Engage with us by leaving a review or comment. https://g.page/r/CVKSq-IsFaY9EBM/review Your support keeps this podcast going and growing.Visit Just Minding My Business Media™ LLC at https://jmmbmediallc.com/ to learn how we can help you get more visibility on your products and services. 

Hear from Alyssa Gilbert, Director of Innovation at the Grantham Institute of Climate Change and the Environment, as we dive into the climate startup ecosystem. Innovation can provide powerful responses to environmental risks, from AI tools predicting the spread of wildfires in real time, to seaweed-based packaging replacing plastic at mass scale. But in fact, innovation means more than just inventing new technologies – it also means changing the ways we do business today, and helping connect these solutions with the people who can best make use of them. That's why in today's episode, we're diving into the climate innovation ecosystem. We explore: The challenges and opportunities for early-stage climate startups, from scaling to securing investment; How business model innovation is just as crucial as new technology in creating real-world impact; and What risk professionals can do to engage with, and support, climate innovators. To find out more about the Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR®) Certificate, follow this link: https://www.garp.org/scr For more information on climate risk, visit GARP's Global Sustainability and Climate Risk Resource Center: https://www.garp.org/sustainability-climate If you have any questions, thoughts, or feedback regarding this podcast series, we would love to hear from you at: climateriskpodcast@garp.com Links from today's discussion: Grantham Institute - Climate Change and the Environment: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/grantham/ Undaunted: https://undaunted-hq.org/ Notpla - Sustainable Packaging Made from Seaweed: https://www.notpla.com/   Speaker's Bio Alyssa Gilbert, Director of Innovation, Grantham Institute of Climate Change and the Environment, Imperial College London Alyssa leads a team focused on developing research, innovations, and talent to address environmental challenges. Alyssa played a key role in setting up the COP26 Universities Network to tackle climate change. Previously, she worked in policy design and evaluation services at Ecofys, covering areas like emissions trading, carbon pricing, and climate finance. Alyssa has extensive experience working on environmental and climate change issues in various countries and has a background in journalism and research.

In this episode of Thrive Radio, I sits down with Daniel Addix, co-founder of LCU, a company pioneering hangover recovery with the world's first DHM-based gummies. Daniel shares his personal journey from battling the dreaded hangover to developing a science-backed, patent-pending solution that helps people feel refreshed after a night out. From overcoming product development hurdles to expanding into retail and bars, Daniel's story is one of resilience, innovation, and passion for wellness. Tune in for insights into the challenges of launching a new wellness product and the growing alcohol aid market. What you will learn in this podcast: How Daniel Addicks turned his personal struggle with hangovers into a business idea that led to the creation of a patented DHM-based gummy. The role of DHM, a compound from the Japanese raisin tree, in alleviating hangover symptoms and boosting liver health. The process and challenges of product development, including the trials and lessons learned when their first manufacturer didn't deliver. Insights into the booming alcohol aid market and how LCU's strategy includes targeting bars, retail stores, and even expanding into event activations. Essential advice for aspiring entrepreneurs entering the wellness and supplement space, particularly regarding ingredient sourcing, product testing, and manufacturing costs.

Jón Ingi Bergsteinsson MedTech founder, former CTO of SMART-TRIAL and now a startup advisor and investor via LIFA Ventures. With 10+ years of hands-on experience scaling a SaaS company in regulated healthcare, Jón offers a rare blend of technical and commercial insight.In this episode, we talk about why founders should stop treating regulatory and commercial teams like separate planets, how VCs really evaluate MedTech startups, and what SaaS-style thinking can teach traditional device companies. Jón also walks us through his “founder-to-fund” journey, shares common pitfalls in clinical trial design and gives a blunt take on why copying pharma's playbook won't work in MedTech.Timestamps:[00:00:35] Why MedTech Startups Still Struggle to Scale[00:03:41] Building SMART-TRIAL Without Venture Capital[00:06:25] Regulatory & Clinical Teams Need to Talk More[00:09:50] LIFA Ventures: Investing Beyond the Spreadsheet[00:12:12] The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Commercialization[00:14:07] Copying Pharma? That's a Mistake[00:17:33] Europe vs U.S. Startup Culture: What Founders Get Wrong[00:20:45] Advice for Early-Stage Founders in Regulated Health[00:24:28] Jón's Life Beyond MedTech: Coaching, Family & Hobbies[00:26:12] One Thing He Wishes Founders Would Stop DoingGet in touch with Jón - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joningib/ Get in touch with Karandeep Badwal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karandeepbadwal/ Follow Karandeep on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@KarandeepBadwalSubscribe to the Podcast

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Pitching Green Dreams: How Passion Overcame Tech Glitches Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-04-29-22-34-01-he Story Transcript:He: התפתחות טכנולוגית מול כל הנופים הצבעוניים של תל אביב, שם קיימת מעבדה חדשנית מוקפת בניינים ירוקים ושטחי עבודה פתוחים מלאי צבע.En: Technological development against the colorful landscapes of Tel Aviv, where there exists an innovative lab surrounded by green buildings and open, vibrant workspaces.He: בפנים, אווירת יצירתיות ושיתוף פעולה מורגשת בכל פינה.En: Inside, an atmosphere of creativity and collaboration is felt in every corner.He: בצהריים של יום אביבי, נכנסו שלושה דמויות עיקריות אל המקום.En: On an early spring day, three main characters entered the place.He: נעם, בחור נרגש ונלהב, לוחץ את יד ידידיו העסקיים, ליאור ואבי, ומוכן להציג את רעיון הסטארטאפ שלהם מול משקיעים פוטנציאליים.En: Noam, an excited and enthusiastic young man, shook hands with his business friends, Lior and Avi, ready to present their startup idea to potential investors.He: נעם, יזם מלא תשוקה, בחר לספר על הפתרון החדשני שלהם, שפותר בעיות סביבתיות חשובות בעזרת טכנולוגיה ירוקה ונקייה.En: Noam, a passionate entrepreneur, chose to talk about their innovative solution, which addresses significant environmental issues with clean, green technology.He: אולם בלבו, נעם חש בלחץ והספקות החלו לנקר בו.En: However, in his heart, Noam felt pressure, and doubts began to nag at him.He: האם יוכל לשכנע את המשקיעים בטוהר כוונותיו וברעיון?En: Could he convince the investors of his pure intentions and the idea?He: ליאור ואבי, שני קציני הנדסה יצירתיים ומקוריים, ניצבים ככתף תומכת מאחוריו.En: Lior and Avi, two creative and original engineering officers, stood as supportive shoulders behind him.He: ברגע השיא, התחיל נעם את מצגת השקפים שלו, בדיוק כשהם נתפסים לחוסר נגינה קל.En: At the climax of the presentation, Noam began his slide show just as they experienced a minor technical glitch.He: המקרן כבה לפתע והאורות במתחם דלקו וכבו לסירוגין.En: The projector suddenly turned off, and the lights in the complex flickered on and off.He: בתוך כל הבלאגן והתקלות, עמד נעם מול הקהל, ותחושת הפחד החלה לחלחל בו.En: Amidst all the chaos and malfunctions, Noam stood before the audience, and a sense of fear began to seep into him.He: אך אז, חייך לעצמו בעצבנות קלוהרג את הלחץ ובחר לדבר מהלב.En: But then, he nervously smiled to himself, suppressed the pressure, and chose to speak from the heart.He: "אנחנו כאן כי אנחנו מאמינים שהפתרון שלנו יכול לשנות את העולם לטובה," אמר נעם בביטחון, כשהוא מסתכל הישר בעיני המשקיעים.En: "We are here because we believe our solution can change the world for the better," said Noam confidently, looking directly into the investors' eyes.He: בלי המצע הטכנולוגי לעמוד מאחוריו, השתמש רק בקולו ובאמונתו.En: Without the technological backing of the presentation, he used only his voice and belief.He: הוא סיפר על כוונתם לשפר את הסביבה, על הצורך בפיתוח מתמשך, ועל החזון הירוק שלהם.En: He spoke about their intention to improve the environment, the need for ongoing development, and their green vision.He: לאחר הסיום, התקהלות המשקיעים החרישית הפכה לתשואות קלות.En: After the conclusion, the silent gathering of investors turned to light applause.He: אחד מהמשקיעים התעניין ושאל עוד.En: One investor expressed interest and asked for more information.He: נאום האימפרוביזציה של נעם נגע ללבם, והם הביעו עניין ללמוד עוד על המיזם בהמשך.En: Noam's improvised speech touched their hearts, and they showed interest in learning more about the venture.He: נעם הרגיש כאילו נפתח דף חדש עבורו — הבין שאותנטיות ואמונה במטרה יכולים דווקא לגבור על ביצוע מושלם.En: Noam felt as though a new chapter had opened for him — realizing that authenticity and belief in a cause could actually triumph over a perfect performance.He: הוא, ליאור ואבי יצאו מהאולם כאשר הם יודעים שעתיד מזהיר מחכה להם.En: He, Lior, and Avi left the hall knowing that a bright future awaited them. Vocabulary Words:technological: טכנולוגיתlandscapes: נופיםvibrant: מלאי צבעcollaboration: שיתוף פעולהentrepreneur: יזםenthusiastic: נלהבinnovative: חדשניsolution: פתרוןenvironmental: סביבתיותsignificant: חשובותpure: טוהרintentions: כוונותoriginal: מקורייםsupportive: תומכתflickered: דלקו וכבו לסירוגיןchaos: בלאגןmalfunctions: תקלותseep: לחלחלauthenticity: אותנטיותbelief: אמונהimprovised: אימפרוביזציהventure: מיזםtriumph: לגבורpotential: פוטנציאלייםcomplex: מתחםglitch: חוסר נגינהconference: כנסconfidence: ביטחוןconclusion: סיוםvision: חזוןBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: Unlocking Dreams: When Creativity Meets Structure Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2025-04-29-22-34-01-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A kora tavaszi napfény átjárta a startup inkubátor terét, ahol Gábor és Eszter izgatottan készültek életük egyik legfontosabb napjára.En: The early spring sunlight filled the space of the startup incubator, where Gábor and Eszter were excitedly preparing for one of the most important days of their lives.Hu: A szobát fiatal vállalkozók töltötték meg, akik szenvedélyesen dolgoztak projektjeiken.En: The room was filled with young entrepreneurs passionately working on their projects.Hu: Mindenütt színes plakátok lógtak a falakon, melyek a feltörekvő cégek logóit hirdették, és az újdonsült baristagép friss kávé illatát árasztotta szerte a helyiségben.En: Colorful posters hung on the walls everywhere, displaying the logos of up-and-coming companies, and the scent of fresh coffee from the newly acquired espresso machine wafted through the place.Hu: Gábor, az ötleteiben mindig elmerülő álmodozó, és Eszter, a precíz és óvatos tervező, szerették volna a legjobbat nyújtani ezen a prezentációs napon.En: Gábor, the dreamer always immersed in his ideas, and Eszter, the precise and cautious planner, wanted to deliver their best on this presentation day.Hu: Mindketten tudták, hogy nagy eséllyel pályáznak a támogatásokra, mégis más-más módon közelítették meg a felkészülést.En: Both knew they had a strong chance of applying for funding, yet they approached preparation in different ways.Hu: - Gábor, miért nem próbálunk még egyszer?En: "Gábor, why don't we try once more?"Hu: - kérdezte Eszter, miközben egy utolsó simítást végzett a prezentációjén laptopján.En: asked Eszter, as she put a final touch on her presentation on her laptop.Hu: Gábor csak mosolygott, szemében a kreativitás szikrájával.En: Gábor just smiled, a spark of creativity in his eyes.Hu: - Van egy új ötletem!En: "I have a new idea!"Hu: - mondta izgatottan.En: he said excitedly.Hu: - Még hozzáadhatnánk egy szimulációt a prezentációhoz.En: "We could add a simulation to the presentation.Hu: Ez lenyűgözi a zsűrit!En: It will impress the jury!"Hu: Eszter szívét elöntötte a félelem.En: Eszter was filled with fear.Hu: - Gábor, a technika nem biztos, hogy megoldja.En: "Gábor, the technology might not solve everything.Hu: Nolopjón el túl sok időt a fő témától!En: Let's not let it steal too much time from the main topic!"Hu: A prezentáció közeledett, és Eszter igyekezett visszatartani a tendenciát, hogy Gábor ötleteit az utolsó pillanatban alakítsa.En: As the presentation approached, Eszter tried to hold back the tendency to modify Gábor's ideas at the last minute.Hu: Mégis, látta a lelkesedést a társában, és úgy döntött, megbízik benne.En: Yet, she saw the enthusiasm in her partner and decided to trust him.Hu: Amikor végre eljött az idő, hogy színpadra lépjenek, mindketten gyors lélegzetet vettek.En: When the time finally came for them to step on stage, they both took a deep breath.Hu: Az első néhány dián zökkenőmentesen mentek végig, ám az egyik zsűritag hirtelen kérdést tett fel, ami próbára tette a kettősüket.En: The first few slides went smoothly, but suddenly a jury member asked a question that tested the duo.Hu: Gábor azonnal válaszolt, belefogva az új szimuláció bemutatásába, míg Eszter igyekezett az értékesítési pontokat ismét felvillantani.En: Gábor immediately responded, launching into the demonstration of the new simulation, while Eszter tried to highlight the key selling points again.Hu: Az együttes játékuk meglepő módon harmóniát teremtett.En: Their combined performance unexpectedly created harmony.Hu: Gábor intuitív válasza és Eszter alapos magyarázata együtt ütőképes párost alkotott.En: Gábor's intuitive response and Eszter's thorough explanation made them a formidable team.Hu: A zsűritagok lenyűgözve figyelték őket, és végül gratuláltak nekik.En: The jury members watched them in awe and eventually congratulated them.Hu: A nap végére Gábor és Eszter nemcsak a várva várt finanszírozást szerezték meg, hanem egy mentorálási lehetőséget is kapottak, hogy további útmutatást kapjanak projektjükhöz.En: By the end of the day, not only had Gábor and Eszter secured the much-anticipated funding, but they also received a mentoring opportunity to get further guidance for their project.Hu: Gábor megtanulta, hogy az ötleteket strukturálni is kell, míg Eszter elfogadta a kreativitást és a rugalmasság fontosságát.En: Gábor learned that ideas need structuring, while Eszter embraced the importance of creativity and flexibility.Hu: Bárhogy is nézték, mindketten rájöttek, hogy együtt bármilyen kihívásnak megfelelnek.En: No matter how they looked at it, both realized that together, they could meet any challenge.Hu: És ahogy kiléptek az inkubátor ajtaján, tudták, hogy közös jövőjük ígérete még csak most kezdődik.En: And as they stepped out of the incubator's door, they knew that the promise of their joint future was just beginning. Vocabulary Words:sunlight: napfényexcitedly: izgatottanentrepreneurs: vállalkozókimmersed: elmerülőplanner: tervezősimulation: szimulációcautious: óvatosscheme: terventhusiasm: lelkesedésprecise: precízunforeseen: váratlanformidable: ütőképesdemonstration: bemutatásillusion: illúzióacquired: újdonsültprosperity: jólétexplanation: magyarázatguidance: útmutatássecured: megszerzettflexibility: rugalmasságanticipation: várakozásperspective: nézőpontcreativity: kreativitásintuitive: intuitívprecipice: szakadékpassionate: szenvedélyesenstructure: struktúrainnovation: innovációtime constraints: időkorlátokopportunity: lehetőség

Fluent Fiction - Hindi: Spring Sparks: Arun's Inspired Gift for Startup Success Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hi/episode/2025-04-29-22-34-02-hi Story Transcript:Hi: अरुण जब जल्दी में बाज़ार की तरफ बढ़ा, तो उसके मन में सिर्फ एक ख्याल था: मीरा के स्टार्टअप की लॉन्च पार्टी के लिए एक परफेक्ट गिफ्ट चुनना।En: अरुण when heading quickly towards the market, had only one thought in mind: to choose the perfect gift for मीरा's startup launch party.Hi: यह एक खुशगवार वसंत का दिन था; चारों ओर खिले हुए फूल और ताज़ा हवा, उसके कदमों में उमंग भर रहे थे।En: It was a delightful spring day; with blooms all around and fresh air, filling his steps with enthusiasm.Hi: स्टार्टअप इनक्यूबेटर का माहौल उतना ही जीवंत था—तकनीकी कौशल और चमक से भरी आँखों वाले युवा, जिनके दिल में नए आइडियाज जन्म ले रहे थे।En: The atmosphere of the startup incubator was just as vibrant—young people filled with technical skills and eyes shining with new ideas being born in their hearts.Hi: मीरा, जो स्टार्टअप वर्ल्ड में अपनी पहचान बनाने की कगार पर थी, अरुण के लिए हमेशा एक प्रेरणा रही थी।En: मीरा, on the verge of making her mark in the startup world, had always been an inspiration for अरुण.Hi: वह उसे उसके जुनून और समर्पण के लिए बहुत सराहता था।En: He admired her greatly for her passion and dedication.Hi: लेकिन इस बार, वह उसका ध्यान अपनी ओर खींचना चाहता था।En: But this time, he wanted to catch her attention.Hi: अरुण चाहता था कि उसका गिफ्ट वैसे ही अनोखा हो जैसे मीरा का स्टार्टअप।En: अरुण wanted his gift to be as unique as मीरा's startup.Hi: राहुल, अरुण का करीबी दोस्त, उसके साथ हो लिया।En: राहुल, अरुण's close friend, joined him.Hi: "तू अपने गिफ्ट के ख्याल में बहुत उलझा हुआ लग रहा है," राहुल ने कहा, उसकी परेशानी भांपते हुए।En: "You seem to be really tangled up in the thought of your gift," राहुल said, sensing his concern.Hi: "क्यों न कुछ ऐसा बनाए जो मीरा के काम को आसान बनाए?"En: "Why not create something that makes मीरा's work easier?"Hi: अरुण के दिमाग में एक चमक आयी।En: A spark lit up in अरुण's mind.Hi: उसने तय कर लिया कि वह एक विशेष तकनीकी समायोजक बनाएगा, जो मीरा की स्टार्टअप की सभी टास्क्स को संगठित करने में मदद करेगा।En: He decided that he would create a special technical organizer that would help manage all the tasks of मीरा's startup.Hi: उसके पास कई रातें बिताते हुए एक कस्टमाइज्ड गैजेट तैयार करने का विचार आया।En: He came up with the idea of spending many nights developing a customized gadget.Hi: उसने मेहनत से काम किया, अपने कोडिंग और हार्डवेयर स्किल्स को पूरी तरह इस्तेमाल करके।En: He worked diligently, fully utilizing his coding and hardware skills.Hi: लॉन्च पार्टी वाले दिन, इनक्यूबेटर एकदम रौशनी और खुशी से भरा हुआ था।En: On the day of the launch party, the incubator was filled with light and joy.Hi: लोग चारों तरफ बधाईयाँ देते और मीरा की हौसलाअफजाई कर रहे थे।En: People everywhere were congratulating and encouraging मीरा.Hi: अरुण जब पार्टी में पहुँचा, तो उसकी धड़कनें तेज़ थीं।En: When अरुण arrived at the party, his heartbeat was fast.Hi: उसने मीरा को अपने उपहार के बॉक्स की तरफ इशारा करके बुलाया।En: He gestured towards the gift box to call मीरा.Hi: "मीरा, तुम्हारे सपने को थोड़ा सपोर्ट देने के लिए मैंने कुछ बनाया है," उसने नरम आवाज़ में कहा।En: "मीरा, I've made something to give a little support to your dream," he said softly.Hi: मीरा ने बॉक्स खोला और इसमें से एक चमकदार गैजेट निकला जिसने उसकी आँखों में चमक भर दी।En: मीरा opened the box and took out a brilliant gadget that filled her eyes with sparkle.Hi: "ओह, अरुण! ये तो शानदार है," मीरा ने मुस्कुराते हुए कहा।En: "Oh, अरुण! This is amazing," मीरा said with a smile.Hi: यह गिफ्ट न केवल उसके काम को आसान करेगा बल्कि उसकी तकनीकी महत्वाकांक्षाओं की गहराई को भी दर्शाएगा।En: This gift would not only make her work easier but also reflect the depth of her technical ambitions.Hi: उसी बसंत की खुशबू में, मीरा ने अरुण को एक नई निगाह से देखा।En: In the fragrance of the same spring, मीरा looked at अरुण with a new perspective.Hi: उसे उसकी काबिलियत और इस खूबसूरत जज़्बात पर गर्व महसूस हुआ।En: She felt proud of his capability and this beautiful emotion.Hi: इस दिन के बाद, अरुण ने अपनी आत्मविश्वास में वृद्धि महसूस की।En: After that day, अरुण felt a rise in his self-confidence.Hi: वह जानता था कि उसके पास वह काबीलियत है, जो उसके सपनों को सच में बदल सकता है।En: He knew he had the ability to truly turn his dreams into reality.Hi: उसने निर्णय लिया कि वह मीरा के साथ कदम से कदम मिलाकर अपने सपनों का भी पीछा करेगा।En: He decided that he would step by step pursue his dreams along with मीरा.Hi: सच में, वसंत का यह दिन अरुण के लिए जीवन में नई शुरुआत लेकर आया था।En: Truly, this spring day brought a new beginning to अरुण's life. Vocabulary Words:delightful: खुशगवारlaunch: लॉन्चenthusiasm: उमंगincubator: इनक्यूबेटरvibrant: जीवंतpassion: जुनूनdedication: समर्पणverge: कगारtangled: उलझा हुआspark: चमकorganizer: समायोजकcustomized: कस्टमाइज्डdiligently: मेहनत सेgesture: इशाराbrilliant: चमकदारsparkle: चमकambitions: महत्वाकांक्षाएँfragrance: खुशबूperspective: निगाहemotion: जज़्बातconfidence: आत्मविश्वासcapability: काबिलियतreflection: दर्शनtechnical: तकनीकीinspiration: प्रेरणाencouraging: हौसलाअफजाईcongratulating: बधाईयाँ देनाgestured: इशारा कियाsupport: सपोर्टreality: सच

Fluent Fiction - French: Startup Success: Turning Tech Failures into Triumphs Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/fr/episode/2025-04-29-22-34-02-fr Story Transcript:Fr: Sous les hauts plafonds clairs d'un incubateur bouillonnant à Paris, l'air du printemps apporte une énergie nouvelle.En: Under the tall, bright ceilings of a bustling incubator in Paris, the spring air brings a new energy.Fr: Des jeunes ambitieux se bousculent autour de leur rêve technologique.En: Ambitious young people jostle around their technological dream.Fr: C'est ici que Hélène, Marc et Thibaut, les trois mousquetaires d'une startup innovante, travaillent d'arrache-pied.En: It is here that Hélène, Marc, and Thibaut, the three musketeers of an innovative startup, work tirelessly.Fr: Leur mission?En: Their mission?Fr: Gagner une compétition prestigieuse pour enfin réaliser leur projet.En: To win a prestigious competition to finally realize their project.Fr: Hélène, la meneuse du groupe, observe l'agitation d'un regard calme mais préoccupé.En: Hélène, the leader of the group, observes the commotion with a calm but concerned look.Fr: Derrière ses lunettes, ses yeux trahissent une inquiétude grandissante.En: Behind her glasses, her eyes betray a growing anxiety.Fr: Elle sent lourdement la pression de ne pas décevoir Marc et Thibaut, ses précieux coéquipiers.En: She feels the heavy pressure not to disappoint Marc and Thibaut, her valuable teammates.Fr: Marc, assis non loin, tapote frénétiquement sur son clavier.En: Marc, sitting not far away, frantically taps on his keyboard.Fr: Ce jeune prodige en programmation est perfectionniste.En: This young programming prodigy is a perfectionist.Fr: Il veut que leur prototype soit irréprochable.En: He wants their prototype to be flawless.Fr: Mais une ombre plane.En: But a shadow looms.Fr: Un bug persistant refuse de disparaître et met en péril leur succès.En: A persistent bug refuses to disappear and jeopardizes their success.Fr: Thibaut, quant à lui, arpente la pièce avec la grâce d'un orateur préparant un discours.En: As for Thibaut, he paces the room with the grace of a speaker preparing a speech.Fr: Son charme naturel est indéniable, pourtant il doute.En: His natural charm is undeniable, yet he doubts.Fr: Leur produit est-il vraiment prêt pour la scène?En: Is their product truly ready for the stage?Fr: Les regards pleins d'espoir autour de lui ne bousculent pas ses interrogations intérieures.En: The hopeful looks around him do not stir his internal questions.Fr: Hélène décide alors.En: Hélène then decides.Fr: "Marc, concentre-toi sur le bug.En: "Marc, focus on the bug.Fr: Thibaut, nous devons peaufiner notre présentation."En: Thibaut, we need to refine our presentation."Fr: Elle sait que c'est risqué de séparer les efforts, mais elle n'a pas le choix.En: She knows it's risky to separate efforts, but she has no choice.Fr: Elle doit inventer des solutions, même lorsqu'elles semblent ambiguës.En: She must invent solutions, even when they seem ambiguous.Fr: Le printemps avance, et le jour de la compétition arrive.En: Spring progresses, and the day of the competition arrives.Fr: La salle est immense, imposante.En: The room is immense, imposing.Fr: Les juges, en rangées, observent avec attention.En: The judges, in rows, observe attentively.Fr: Hélène, Thibaut, et Marc respirent profondément avant de se lancer.En: Hélène, Thibaut, and Marc take deep breaths before stepping forward.Fr: Tout se passe bien jusqu'à ce que... le prototype décide de faire des siennes.En: Everything goes well until... the prototype decides to act up.Fr: Il se gèle, les écrans affichent un message d'erreur.En: It freezes, the screens display an error message.Fr: Marc pâlit, Thibaut ose à peine respirer.En: Marc turns pale, Thibaut barely dares to breathe.Fr: Mais Hélène ne perd pas un instant.En: But Hélène doesn't lose a moment.Fr: Elle s'avance vers le public, son cœur battant.En: She steps forward to the audience, her heart pounding.Fr: Sa voix, naturellement posée, résonne avec assurance.En: Her naturally poised voice resonates with confidence.Fr: "Ce que vous voyez ici montre notre potentiel.En: "What you see here shows our potential.Fr: Oui, nous avons un souci, mais regardez l'idée derrière."En: Yes, we have an issue, but look at the idea behind it."Fr: En quelques mots, elle transforme leur erreur en force.En: In a few words, she turns their mistake into a strength.Fr: Elle parle de l'innovation, de ce que cela pourrait devenir, capturant l'attention et l'imagination du public.En: She speaks of innovation, of what it could become, capturing the audience's attention and imagination.Fr: Les juges, d'abord surpris, se laissent convaincre par l'audace de Hélène.En: The judges, initially surprised, are convinced by Hélène's boldness.Fr: Ils murmurent entre eux, visiblement intéressés.En: They murmur among themselves, visibly interested.Fr: Un léger sourire s'installe sur le visage de Hélène.En: A slight smile appears on Hélène's face.Fr: Elle a compris.En: She understands.Fr: Il ne s'agit pas seulement de perfection, mais de flexibilité et d'adaptabilité.En: It's not just about perfection, but about flexibility and adaptability.Fr: À la fin, malgré le bug, l'équipe reçoit une ovation.En: In the end, despite the bug, the team receives an ovation.Fr: Ils n'ont peut-être pas gagné le premier prix, mais ils ont obtenu ce qu'ils voulaient le plus: reconnaissance et validation.En: They may not have won the first prize, but they have gained what they wanted most: recognition and validation.Fr: Hélène, le cœur léger, sait maintenant qu'elle peut faire confiance à son instinct.En: Hélène, with a light heart, now knows she can trust her instincts.Fr: Marc a découvert qu'il n'est pas seul, et Thibaut, que leur produit peut séduire même sans être parfait.En: Marc discovered he's not alone, and Thibaut realized that their product can captivate even without being perfect.Fr: Le printemps continue d'illuminer Paris, et leur aventure ne fait que commencer.En: Spring continues to illuminate Paris, and their adventure is just beginning.Fr: C'est le début d'une nouvelle, belle amitié professionnelle dans cette ville lumière.En: It's the start of a new, beautiful professional friendship in this city of light. Vocabulary Words:the incubator: l'incubateurthe competition: la compétitionto jostle: se bousculerto observe: observerprestigious: prestigieusethe concern: l'inquiétudethe pressure: la pressionfrantically: frénétiquementthe shadow: l'ombrepersistent: persistantto jeopardize: mettre en périlto pace: arpenterthe grace: la grâcethe charm: le charmeto doubt: douterhopeful: plein d'espoirthe question: l'interrogationrisky: risquéambiguous: ambiguimmense: immenseimposing: imposantethe judge: le jugeto freeze: se gelerto turn pale: pâlirnaturally poised: naturellement poséethe error: l'erreurto resonate: résonnerthe flexibility: la flexibilitéthe adaptability: l'adaptabilitéthe ovation: l'ovation

Fluent Fiction - Spanish: Turning the Tides of Doubt: Marisol's Entrepreneurial Triumph Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/es/episode/2025-04-29-22-34-02-es Story Transcript:Es: En el corazón de la ciudad, un espacio vibrante conocido como el Incubador de Startups cobra vida cada mañana.En: In the heart of the city, a vibrant space known as the Incubador de Startups springs to life every morning.Es: Las paredes modernas, llenas de pantallas inteligentes, ecoan con la energía de emprendedores que persiguen sueños grandes.En: The modern walls, filled with smart screens, echo with the energy of entrepreneurs pursuing big dreams.Es: En un rincón animado, Marisol, Esteban y Carmen se preparan para un desafío crucial.En: In a lively corner, Marisol, Esteban, and Carmen prepare for a crucial challenge.Es: Marisol es una joven apasionada y dedicada.En: Marisol is a passionate and dedicated young woman.Es: Su startup se enfoca en soluciones sostenibles para el hogar.En: Her startup focuses on sustainable solutions for the home.Es: Pero, a pesar de su pasión, Marisol a menudo se siente insegura.En: But despite her passion, Marisol often feels insecure.Es: Esteban, su socio, tiene la habilidad de insuflar vida a sus ideas con su entusiasmo contagioso.En: Esteban, her partner, has the knack for breathing life into her ideas with his contagious enthusiasm.Es: Y Carmen, su mentora, es directa y sabia, siempre lista para ofrecer consejos honestos.En: And Carmen, her mentor, is direct and wise, always ready to offer honest advice.Es: Es primavera, y el sol calienta las calles que rodean el incubador.En: It's spring, and the sun warms the streets surrounding the incubator.Es: Marisol y Esteban necesitan comprar suministros de oficina importantes para impresionar a los inversores con su presentación.En: Marisol and Esteban need to buy important office supplies to impress the investors with their presentation.Es: Deciden visitar la pequeña tienda de suministros dentro del incubador.En: They decide to visit the small supply store inside the incubator.Es: La tienda está llena.En: The store is packed.Es: Las estanterías desbordan de carpetas, bolígrafos y todas esas cosas que podrían hacer la diferencia el día de la presentación.En: Shelves overflow with folders, pens, and all those things that could make the difference on presentation day.Es: Pero Marisol no tarda mucho en darse cuenta de que los artículos específicos que buscaba están agotados.En: But it doesn't take Marisol long to realize that the specific items she was looking for are out of stock.Es: Los clics llamativos para presentaciones de los que había oído hablar se han esfumado.En: The eye-catching presentation clickers she had heard about have disappeared.Es: Así como las carpetas ecológicas que deseaba.En: As well as the eco-friendly folders she wanted.Es: Mientras revisa las estanterías, Marisol escucha comentarios críticos de otros equipos.En: While browsing the shelves, Marisol hears critical comments from other teams.Es: "¿Ese proyecto?En: "That project?Es: No tiene futuro", dice una voz.En: It has no future," says a voice.Es: Su corazón se contrae de inseguridad.En: Her heart constricts with insecurity.Es: La confianza de Marisol tambalea.En: Marisol's confidence wavers.Es: Se queda inmóvil por un momento, pero sabe que no puede quedarse allí paralizada.En: She stands still for a moment, but she knows she can't stay there paralyzed.Es: "¿Qué hacemos ahora?En: "What do we do now?"Es: ", pregunta Esteban, manteniendo su ánimo.En: asks Esteban, keeping his spirits up.Es: Carmen, siempre práctica, dice: "Con lo que tienen, hagan magia.En: Carmen, always practical, says, "With what you have, make magic.Es: A veces lo simple es lo más efectivo".En: Sometimes simplicity is the most effective."Es: Marisol respira profundamente.En: Marisol takes a deep breath.Es: Esteban propone buscar en las áreas menos populares de la tienda.En: Esteban proposes looking in the less popular areas of the store.Es: En un estante olvidado, Marisol encuentra un lote de cartulinas recicladas y unos rotuladores de colores vivos.En: On a forgotten shelf, Marisol finds a batch of recycled cardboard and some brightly colored markers.Es: Una chispa de inspiración ilumina sus ojos.En: A spark of inspiration lights up her eyes.Es: "Podríamos hacer algo creativo", dice, empezando a sonreír.En: "We could do something creative," she says, starting to smile.Es: Esteban se une a ella, encantado.En: Esteban joins her, delighted.Es: Con sus nuevos hallazgos, Marisol y Esteban deciden improvisar.En: With their new finds, Marisol and Esteban decide to improvise.Es: Crean una serie de carteles dinámicos y creativos que representan la esencia de la sostenibilidad que defienden.En: They create a series of dynamic and creative posters that represent the essence of the sustainability they advocate.Es: Llenos de energía renovada, vuelven al incubador.En: Filled with renewed energy, they return to the incubator.Es: La presentación es un éxito.En: The presentation is a success.Es: Los inversores captan el espíritu único de su startup y sienten el compromiso detrás de cada palabra.En: The investors catch the unique spirit of their startup and feel the commitment behind every word.Es: Marisol, antes tan llena de dudas, ahora se siente más segura.En: Marisol, once so full of doubts, now feels more confident.Es: Ha aprendido que no se trata de la perfección, sino de tener confianza en su visión.En: She has learned that it's not about perfection, but about having confidence in her vision.Es: Abraza la idea de que la creatividad y la adaptabilidad son sus mayores aliados.En: She embraces the idea that creativity and adaptability are her greatest allies.Es: Al final, Marisol sabe que este es solo el comienzo de muchos desafíos, pero también de muchos triunfos.En: In the end, Marisol knows this is just the beginning of many challenges, but also of many triumphs.Es: Su camino en el mundo del emprendimiento es brillante y prometedor.En: Her path in the entrepreneurial world is bright and promising. Vocabulary Words:the heart: el corazónthe entrepreneur: el emprendedorthe dream: el sueñothe mentor: la mentorathe challenge: el desafíothe partner: el sociothe investor: el inversorthe shelf: la estanteríathe spark: la chispathe enthusiasm: el entusiasmothe advice: el consejothe simplicity: la simplicidadthe inspiration: la inspiraciónthe confidence: la confianzathe poster: el cartelthe essence: la esenciathe commitment: el compromisothe triumph: el triunfothe sustainability: la sostenibilidadthe adaptability: la adaptabilidadthe project: el proyectothe presentation: la presentaciónthe solution: la soluciónthe street: la callethe supply: el suministrothe folder: la carpetathe marker: el rotuladorthe doubt: la dudathe idea: la ideathe beginning: el comienzo

Send us a textWalker Ferguson, a standout student-athlete from Wake Forest, joins us to share his incredible journey of entrepreneurship and sports. Growing up with self-employed parents, Walker developed a strong entrepreneurial spirit that led him to co-found a meditation app specifically for student-athletes. Together, we explore how his Spanish class project transformed into a fully-fledged app, and how the partnership with his college roommate, Hampton Tanner, was pivotal in turning challenges into opportunities.Balancing the rigorous demands of sports, academics, and a startup is no easy feat. Walker opens up about the discipline and sacrifices required to manage meetings, practice, and development while maintaining his academic pursuits. He offers insights into the mental fortitude necessary to keep moving forward, highlighting strategies like positive self-talk and a clear sense of purpose. We also tackle the unexpected hurdles of entrepreneurship, from funding to legal complexities, and emphasize the importance of supportive relationships and a trustworthy business partner.As we look toward the future, Walker shares his vision for the app Ascend, which aims to enhance mental performance for student-athletes with the help of AI. His aspirations extend beyond personal success, aiming to leave a legacy of giving more than taking. We wrap up the episode by reflecting on the power of leadership and teamwork, inspired by lessons from both sports and business. Join us to discover how Walker's story can motivate you to achieve your full potential.https://ascendmeditations.app/Support the showThanks for listening & being part of the Mindset Cafe Community.----------------------------------------------Connect With Devan:https://www.devangonzalez.com/connect----------------------------------------------Follow On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/devan.gonzalez/https://www.instagram.com/mindsetcafepodcastLet me know what topics or questions you want covered so we can help you achieve your goals faster.----------------------------------------------P.S. If you're not already a part of the The Mindset Cafe Community Page I would love to have you be a part of the community, and spread your amazing knowledge. The page is to connect and network with other like minded people networking and furthering each other on our journeys!https://www.facebook.com/groups/themindsetcafe/

When building a successful startup, the difference between thriving and failing often lies in understanding the journey itself. Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with Gregory Shepard, the entrepreneur behind "The Startup Lifecycle" and the founder of the Startup Science platform. Gregory's research-driven insights offer a clear and practical roadmap that challenges the myths that have surrounded startup culture for decades. In our conversation, Gregory shared how his five-year research project revealed why so many startups fail and what can be done to reverse that trend. With data showing that 47.1 percent of startups fail within the first 18 months, Gregory highlights the critical importance of getting the earliest decisions right.  Overvaluation, misunderstanding capital needs, premature scaling, and neglecting to consider an exit strategy from the start are some common missteps he passionately helps founders avoid. Gregory also discussed the seven stages of the startup lifecycle he created, paying particular attention to the often overlooked stages of standardization and optimization.  Rather than rushing from product development to rapid growth, he emphasizes the need to stabilize and streamline operations first to ensure that scaling brings real profitability, not just top-line growth. This mindset shift alone could dramatically alter the success rate of new businesses. Beyond the book, Gregory has built the Startup Science platform, a comprehensive ecosystem designed to give founders access to mentors, investors, grants, classes, and curated resources all in one place. It is not just about reading a book or attending a workshop. It is about systematically embedding success principles into every aspect of the entrepreneurial journey. We also talked about the current startup climate and why economic downturns often lead to a surge in entrepreneurial activity. Gregory's advice is simple yet powerful: bunker down, stay focused, and view this period as an opportunity rather than a barrier. Investors still back good companies even when the broader environment feels uncertain. Throughout our conversation, Gregory's passion for supporting marginalized entrepreneurs and his commitment to the social and environmental impact of startups shone through. His belief that entrepreneurship is a true driver of global progress resonated deeply with me. Every aspiring founder can learn from their structured approach to resilience and success. For those curious about the real factors behind startup success, I highly recommend checking out "The Startup Lifecycle" and exploring the resources available at GregoryShepard.com and StartupScience.io. If you are serious about your entrepreneurial dreams, this is one conversation you cannot afford to miss.

Each year, 2 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer and face a fragmented, overwhelming healthcare system with minimal guidance between doctor visits, even as they make life-altering decisions.In this episode, we talk with Robin Shah, Founder & CEO of Thyme Care, who has devoted his 17-year career to improving oncology care and is now building a virtual support system that has already helped over 50,000 cancer patients nationwide.We cover:

Is there more VC flowing into Portland? A new president for TiE Oregon, $1M in funding for a Bluesky effort, and Portland startup events galore. Let's get into Portland, Oregon, startup news for this week…PORTLAND STARTUP LINKS- TiE Oregon https://oregon.tie.org- Bluesky raises $1M https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/31/custom-feed-builder-graze-is-building-a-business-on-bluesky-and-investors-are-paying-attention/- Uptick in Portland Venture Capital in 2025 Q1 https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/inno/stories/inno-insights/2025/04/15/venture-monitor-q1-oregon-metro.html - Portland Digital Corps https://siliconflorist.com/2025/04/17/portland-digital-corps-ramps-up/ - Portland AI Engineers https://www.meetup.com/portland-ai-engineers/- PIE + Portland startup community events https://www.meetup.com/pie-portland-startup-community/- Portland Startup Week 2025 https://lu.ma/pdxstartupweek- Startup Success podcast https://open.spotify.com/episode/1uW9DLlNVTDtEqg243fuwh?si=Cwb0V3bBRvmq4ljC1dHAlA- 5 Min Startup https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbbAT6TcH-8PORTLAND STARTUP NEWS00:00 Portland startup news intro00:35 Matt Dittrich named new president of TiE Oregon03:11 Graze raises $1 million for Bluesky tooling06:01 Significantly more VC in Q1 202508:30 Portland Digital Corps is up and running12:00 Portland AI Engineers meets April 30, 202512:42 PIE + Portland startup community events 19:15 Me on other podcastsFIND RICK TUROCZY ON THE INTERNET AT…- https://patreon.com/turoczy- https://linkedin.com/in/turoczy- https://bsky.app/profile/turoczy.bsky.social- https://siliconflorist.substack.com/- https://pdxslack.comABOUT SILICON FLORIST ----------For nearly two decades, Rick Turoczy has published Silicon Florist, a blog, newsletter, and podcast that covers entrepreneurs, founders, startups, entrepreneurship, tech, news, and events in the Portland, Oregon, startup community. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a startup or tech enthusiast, or simply intrigued by Portland's startup culture, Silicon Florist is your go-to source for the latest news, events, jobs, and opportunities in Portland Oregon's flourishing tech and startup scene. Join us in exploring the innovative world of startups in Portland, where creativity and collaboration meet.ABOUT RICK TUROCZY ----------Rick Turoczy has been working in, on, and around the Portland, Oregon, startup community for nearly 30 years. He has been recognized as one of the “OG”s of startup ecosystem building by the Kauffman Foundation. And he has been humbled by any number of opportunities to speak on stages from SXSW to INBOUND and from Kobe, Japan, to Muscat, Oman, including an opportunity to share his views on community building on the TEDxPortland stage (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj98mr_wUA0). All because of a blog. Weird.https://siliconflorist.com#pdx #portland #oregon #startup #entrepreneur

Everyone sees the headlines — billion-dollar valuations, glamorous exits, and founders “living the dream.” But behind the scenes? Most are living on modest salaries, building equity they can't touch, and navigating high-stakes decisions with capital partners breathing down their neck. Here's the real story about building a company, raising money, and staying hungry without starving.Get access to our real estate community, coaching, courses, and events at Wealthy University https://www.wealthyuniversity.com/Join our FREE community, weekly calls, and bible studies for Christian entrepreneurs and business people. https://www.wealthykingdom.com/ If you want to level up, text me at 725-527-7783!--- About Ryan Pineda: Ryan Pineda has been in the real estate industry since 2010 and has invested in over $100,000,000 of real estate. He has completed over 700 flips and wholesales, and he owns over 650 rental units. As an entrepreneur, he has founded seven different businesses that have generated 7-8 figures of revenue. Ryan has amassed over 2 million followers on social media and has generat...

Pit Viper isn't for everyone. And that might be the secret to its success.It starts with a guy on a ski trip. His sunglasses break. So, naturally, he walks into a military surplus store, finds an old pair of ballistic glasses from the early 90s, and thinks, these are perfect.Fast forward a few years, and those surplus shades—once traded for beers and ski lifts—have turned into Pit Viper, a brand worth millions.But here's the question: how do you build a business that doesn't just sell sunglasses, but sells attitude? A brand that's loud, weird, and completely unignorable?Today on the show: Chris Garcin, CEO of Pit Viper, explains how they took what should have been a joke and turned it into a cult phenomenon.Links & Resources

Trust is the currency of online success, and DJ Sprague has mastered the art of building it systematically through strategic reputation management. As the Chief Marketing Officer of Shopper Approved and a veteran with 25+ years in digital marketing, DJ reveals the hidden psychological triggers that turn browsers into buyers.The conversation opens with a fascinating exploration of what DJ calls "brand schizophrenia" – when your communication touchpoints contradict each other, confusing potential customers and eroding trust. He explains why reviews must extend beyond your website to create a consistent presence across Google Ads, Google Shopping, organic search results, and third-party review platforms. This distribution strategy doesn't just build credibility; it drives significant traffic increases, with one client experiencing an astonishing 8,000% traffic growth.Perhaps most surprising is DJ's revelation about the perfect star rating – and it's not 5.0. The sweet spot falls between 4.2 and 4.7 stars, with perfect scores actually triggering consumer skepticism. Even more counterintuitive: negative reviews can dramatically boost conversions when handled properly. Studies show conversion rates increase by up to 118% when shoppers thoroughly read negative reviews, as they demonstrate transparency and authenticity.The episode covers tactical approaches for both established businesses and newcomers with limited reviews. Beyond review collection, DJ shares complementary trust signals like prominently displayed contact information, industry affiliations, and optimized Q&A content that captures featured snippets in search results. His response strategy for reviews provides a dual benefit – demonstrating customer care while strategically incorporating keywords for SEO advantage.For e-commerce entrepreneurs looking to differentiate in increasingly competitive markets, this masterclass in reputation management offers immediately applicable strategies to build trust, increase traffic, and dramatically improve conversion rates. Whether you're just starting out or scaling an established operation, DJ's insights prove that how others perceive and talk about your business might be your most valuable marketing asset.How to connect with DJ?Offer: free digital and audio copy of our book "Reputation King" to your listeners as well: https://www.reputationking.com/download/ Website: https://www.shopperapproved.com/Podcast: https://trafficandconversionpodcast.com/ LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanesprague/  Support the show

In this Execnow Linkedin Live, we'll explore why talent diversity is essential for you as a startup, the common hiring pitfalls you face, and actionable strategies to leverage inclusivity and build diverse, high-performing teams.Connect with me on LinkedInWork with my fractional firmWork with my executive search and advisory firmConnect with our panelists

My guest today is Gili Raanan. Gili is the founder of Cyberstarts, a VC firm focused on cybersecurity and the world's first VC that is majorly backed by cyber entrepreneurs. Cyberstarts' $50 million dollar first fund exploded to close to $2 billion in just three years. Gili describes cybersecurity today as "the perfect storm" where global conflicts and AI advancements are creating unprecedented threats. He talks about Cyberstarts' "Sunrise" methodology, which uniquely identifies customer pain points before building solutions. We discuss a focus on finding resilient talent, overcoming personal adversity, the evolution of the cybersecurity landscape, and Google's recent acquisition of Wiz, as Cyberstarts was one of Wiz's earliest investors. Please enjoy my discussion with Gili Raanan. Subscribe to Colossus Review. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here. ----- This episode is brought to you by Ramp. Ramp's mission is to help companies manage their spend in a way that reduces expenses and frees up time for teams to work on more valuable projects. Ramp is the fastest-growing FinTech company in history, and it's backed by more of my favorite past guests (at least 16 of them!) than probably any other company I'm aware of. Go to Ramp.com/invest to sign up for free and get a $250 welcome bonus. – This episode is brought to you by AlphaSense. AlphaSense has completely transformed the research process with cutting-edge AI technology and a vast collection of top-tier, reliable business content. Imagine completing your research five to ten times faster with search that delivers the most relevant results, helping you make high-conviction decisions with confidence. Invest Like the Best listeners can get a free trial now at Alpha-Sense.com/Invest and experience firsthand how AlphaSense and Tegus help you make smarter decisions faster. – 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. ----- Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com). Show Notes: (00:00:00) Welcome to Invest Like the Best (00:06:52) AI's Impact on Cybersecurity (00:07:51) Offensive and Defensive Tactics (00:09:32) The Future of Cybersecurity (00:15:42) The First Fund: A Legendary Success (00:17:36) Building a Successful Cybersecurity Company (00:28:24) The Sunrise Methodology (00:31:58) Reversing the Startup Process (00:32:53) The Sunrise Methodology (00:33:17) Identifying Market Pain Points (00:34:57) The Importance of Customer Actions (00:36:58) From Conversations to Software Development (00:38:57) The Role of Simulations in Startup Success (00:40:12) Fundraising and Valuation Strategies (00:42:08) Pricing and Market Dynamics (00:46:16) The Value of Superpowers in Founders (00:50:10) Google's Acquisition of Wiz (01:07:24) Personal Resilience and Tragedy (01:10:30) Future of Cybersecurity and AI (01:12:25) The Kindest Thing Anyone Has Done For Gili

➡️ Join 321,000 people who read my free weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.scottdclary.com➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstoryTim Guleri is a seasoned venture capitalist and managing partner at Sierra Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based early-stage technology-focused venture capital firm. With over two decades of experience in the technology industry, he has a strong track record of identifying and nurturing successful startups. Before joining Sierra Ventures, he co-founded Scopus Technology, which went public in 1995 and was later acquired by Siebel Systems for $460 million, and Octane Software, which was acquired by E.piphany in 2000 for $3.2 billion.  ➡️ Show Linkshttps://www.x.com/timguleri/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/timguleri/ ➡️ Podcast SponsorsHubspot - https://hubspot.com/  Lingoda - https://try.lingoda.com/successstory (Code: scott25)Vanta - https://www.vanta.com/scottFederated Computer - https://www.federated.computerCornbread Hemp - https://cornbreadhemp.com/success (Code: Success)Create Like The Greats Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/lu/podcast/create-like-the-greats/id1653650073FreshBooks - https://www.freshbooks.com/pricing-offer/Bank On Yourself - https://www.bankonyourself.com/scottStash - https://get.stash.com/successstoryNetSuite — https://netsuite.com/scottclary/Indeed - https://indeed.com/clary ➡️ Talking Points00:00 - Intro05:23 - The Common Thread in Tim's Journey08:01 - Born Entrepreneur or Learned Skill?10:31 - How Entrepreneurs Find Their Focus18:30 - Tim's Career & Investment Philosophy22:08 - Sponsor Break24:46 - The Evolution of Sierra Ventures30:27 - Founder Traps in Venture Capital35:08 - Managing Risk at Sierra Ventures40:57 - Finding Investors: Tips for Founders49:50 - Sponsor Break52:03 - The Biggest Challenge for First-Time Entrepreneurs57:24 - Riding Trends vs. True Innovation1:00:26 - Is There an Undiscovered Playbook for Distribution?1:03:17 - Scaling Without Crashing1:08:05 - Making High-Stakes Decisions with Confidence1:12:28 - Smart Exit Strategies for Entrepreneurs1:17:03 - Final Thoughts from Tim Guleri

Send us a textIn our latest episode, guided by Kaleem Clarkson and guest co-host Josh Morse, we dive deep into the fascinating path of Joshua Parkinson, founder of Post Planner, a SaaS platform revolutionizing social media management. From street performer to philosopher to tech entrepreneur, Joshua's journey embodies adaptability, creativity, and resilience. This conversation explores his unconventional path, philosophies on work and leadership, and strategies for building a thriving remote-first business in the digital age.Joshua's story begins with a degree in philosophy, which continues to shape his worldview. These academic interests fueled his creativity during a transformative period living in Europe, where he supported himself by rapping on the streets. This phase, filled with spontaneity and cultural immersion, also brought personal growth and love—it was during this time that he met his French wife.Flash-forward to 2009, when Joshua embarked on his entrepreneurial journey with the inception of Post Planner. Inspired by the rise of social media platforms like Facebook, he identified a gap in the market for scheduling tools tailored to marketers. What began as a suite of Facebook apps quickly evolved into a flagship product, now serving businesses across eight social platforms, with Facebook remaining a core focus.A significant part of Post Planner's success lies in Joshua's ability to forge meaningful partnerships. Early on, he collaborated with Slav, a Bulgarian developer who built the platform's first version. This partnership not only provided technical expertise but also demonstrated the value of leveraging global talent. Today, Post Planner's development team remains based in Bulgaria, a testament to the enduring impact of this early collaboration.Post Planner's innovative approach to work centers on asynchronous communication, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional, meeting-heavy environments. By minimizing interruptions and embracing tools like Slack, the fully remote team maintains a strong focus on output while preserving work-life balance. This model eliminates time zone conflicts—like late-night calls for overseas colleagues—and replaces micromanagement with trust and autonomy.Joshua, as the company's founder, champions this method, driven by his distaste for inefficient synchronous workflows. While acknowledging initial concerns about team cohesion, he highlights how written communication fosters thoughtful contributions and builds a culture of autonomy. Employees are free to balance personal and professional priorities without rigid oversight, fostering loyalty and engagement. For startups, he argues, this flexible model reduces costs, unlocks global talent, and drives efficiency—key advantages in today's remote-first world.Discover how Joshua's philosophical roots and global experiences shaped his approach to entrepreneurship. Hear insights into Post Planner's innovative asynchronous work model and learn how he leverages global talent to build a culture of trust and autonomy. Tune in to hear how Joshua's journey can inspire your own path and transform your approach to work and leadership!

In this episode of That Entrepreneur Show, we sit down with James Strayer, co-founder of Rubber Surfaces, to explore how he's turning recycled tires into innovative, non-slip surfaces for homes and businesses.

Kyle York of York IE joins Nick to discuss The VC Myth, AI Hype, Mastering GTM, and The Smart Approach to Capital Strategy and Achieving Startup Success. In this episode we cover: Rolling Syndicate and Market Challenges Operational Support and Early-Stage Investing Sustainable Growth and AI Opportunities Vertical Software and Market Consolidation Founder-VC Relationships and Due Diligence Successful Founder Traits and Market Trends Venture Trends and Future Perspectives Master Class for Early-Stage Founders Guest Links: LinkedIn (guest)  Twitter/X (guest)  Twitter (company) Company's Website The host of The Full Ratchet is Nick Moran of New Stack Ventures, a venture capital firm committed to investing in founders outside of the Bay Area. Want to keep up to date with The Full Ratchet? Follow us on social. You can learn more about New Stack Ventures by visiting our LinkedIn and Twitter. Are you a founder looking for your next investor? Visit our free tool VC-Rank and we'll send a list of potential investors right to your inbox!

In this episode of Strap on Your Boots, I dive into the harsh realities of startup failure and the critical mistakes that lead to it. With 90% of startups failing, I break down the biggest reasons why, from ignoring market demand and running out of money to co-founder conflicts and poor customer engagement. Using real-world examples, I highlight what went wrong and how you can avoid the same fate. I also share lessons from my own AI B2B SaaS startup, Vengo AI, on how to stay lean, validate ideas, and build a product people actually want. If you're an entrepreneur looking to beat the odds, this episode is packed with no-nonsense advice to help you succeed.

In this episode of the Moonshots Podcast, hosts Mike Parsons and Mark Pearson Freeland explore the inspiring and practical lessons from Chris Guillebeau's bestselling book, The $100 Startup.Chris is a renowned entrepreneur, traveler, and author who has built a life around creative self-employment and financial freedom. His book is a blueprint for launching a profitable business with minimal investment, proving that you don't need venture capital, an MBA, or a perfect plan to succeed.

➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory  In this Lessons episode, David Hauser, startup culture architect and entrepreneur behind a $175M exit, shares how core values drive success in both business and life. Learn how mindfulness and extreme focus can be a superpower for entrepreneurs, why high-achievers often take an all-or-nothing approach, and how to channel that intensity productively. Discover how yoga and meditation can enhance decision-making, clarity, and resilience, and gain insights into the biggest mistakes founders make when scaling a business.➡️ Show Linkshttps://successstorypodcast.com  YouTube: https://youtu.be/OLb4X0WUuRcApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/david-hauser-entrepreneur-author-speaker-investor-how/id1484783544Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6sKQCEUuGs3psLP8GBmhc4➡️ Watch the Podcast On Youtubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary

Podcast Alert!

 Is AI going to replace entrepreneurs, or is it the ultimate tool for success? In this episode of Future Tech, I break down the impact of AI on business, exploring whether it's a threat or an opportunity. From automating tasks to optimizing marketing and even generating business ideas, AI is transforming how we work. But can it replace human creativity, risk-taking, and leadership? I dive into real-world examples, the power of intuition, and how AI can be the ultimate co-founder for entrepreneurs. Tune in to learn how to leverage AI to build, scale, and future-proof your business! 

 From Garage to Global: Spilling the Beans on Startup Success with Jon Lambert Founder Resource Series Episode Description: “You can run the best business in the world, but if you as an individual, fail, the entire thing falls to pieces.” —Jon Lambert   In the world of startups, your network can be as valuable, if not more, than your net worth. A strong community can provide the resources, mentorship, and support needed to navigate the turbulent waters of entrepreneurship. By fostering meaningful connections and collaborations, founders can unlock opportunities that money alone can't buy, turning their vision into a thriving reality. Jon Lambert is the CEO of The Cannon, a community-driven organization dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and startups. With a background in tech, startups, and corporate venture capital, Jon has made it his mission to democratize access to resources and support for founders at every stage of their journey. Tune in as Justine and Jon explore the essential ingredients for startup success, including community building, pandemic resilience, digital networking, global expansion strategies, funding challenges, and the power of founder-to-founder support in this insightful conversation about nurturing the next generation of business innovators.  Meet Jon:  Jon Lambert is the CEO of The Cannon, a company dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and startups. Under his leadership, The Cannon has expanded from its initial focus on mobilizing people and conversations to establishing nine physical locations in Houston, while also developing a robust digital platform to connect members globally.  With a vision for global expansion, Jon is guiding The Cannon toward an international network that transcends geographical boundaries, providing resources and support to innovators and entrepreneurs worldwide.  Jon's expertise in fundraising, community building, and providing comprehensive support to businesses at various stages has positioned him as a respected figure in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.    Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube     Episode Highlights: 02:00 The Initial Focus of The Cannon in Houston 08:00 How the Pandemic Impacted The Cannon's Community 15:00 Join the “Founder's Confessions” Event 22:00 Accelerator Services  28:00 Global Reach and International Support StartUps    

Lindsey Carter, founder and CEO of SET ACTIVE, is a true trailblazer who bootstrapped her way to building a double-digit, million-dollar activewear brand in just six years. By pioneering a community and content-led strategy, she has disrupted the activewear category with her elevated athleisure approach and high standard in digital branding and social media storytelling. In this episode, Lindsey shares her inspiring journey from her early corporate days at NBC Universal to launching her own venture. She chats with Elizabeth about her hands-on experiences with product development, community building, and maintaining work-life balance, while revealing the secrets behind SET ACTIVE's authentic connection with its community. She also shares some of her favorite things that keep her thriving as an entrepreneur, even if it means missing out on a late night dinner. Episodes Here Say Hi To Elizabeth and Purely Elizabeth: Website | InstagramLindsey: SET ACTIVE | Lindsey's Substack | IG Mentioned: TheraFace Depuffing Wand Kerastase  Below Deck