Jerry has spent nearly three decades building, buying, and scaling companies across transportation, logistics, real estate, and construction, generating over 450 million in revenue and employing more than 10,000 people without investors or a safety net. From growing up in extreme poverty to rebuilding after being fired from his own company, his journey is driven by one core belief, everything is your responsibility.

In this episode, Jerry breaks down why a victim mindset destroys potential, how “shut up and listen” became one of the most important lessons in his life, and why trust and reputation can fund a business when money cannot. They also talk about costly mistakes that come from success, the truth about scaling and letting go, why hunger matters more than credentials, and how real entrepreneurs create their own luck through relentless effort. This conversation is a raw look at what it actually takes to stay in the game and build something that lasts.

Key Topics:

-Why full ownership changes the way entrepreneurs handle failure, pressure, and growth

-Why a victim mindset quietly keeps people stuck

-How trust and reputation can build a business before capital does

-Why hunger and work ethic matter more than credentials

-Why fast growth without cash flow can break a company

-How real entrepreneurs create their own luck through relentless effort

Timestamps:

03:04 The game of business comes with failure, pain, and pressure

10:35 Why blaming others keeps people stuck

13:11 The belief that changed Jerry’s entire life

15:01 Emotional control is a founder’s real power

17:52 Shut up and listen or stay the same

19:48 How trust financed a business from scratch

21:24 Fast growth can kill a company without cash flow

23:47 The advice that saved him millions

28:28 Success led to his most expensive mistake

33:18 Why scaling forces founders to let go

41:30 Hunger matters more than credentials

46:45 Luck comes after the effort

57:30 Why most business advice online fails in real life

01:20:06 Excellence is built through consistency, not shortcuts

Connect with - Jerry Brazie:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/jerrybrazie

Website: https://thekronosgroup.org/

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast⁠

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24⁠Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.hirechore.com/resources/podcast

Andrew is the founder of Educated Freedom, a concierge multifamily office serving founders doing 10 to 100 million in revenue. Instead of replacing advisors, he orchestrates them, aligning CPAs, attorneys, and investment teams around one thing most founders ignore, their values. His approach, called integrated stewardship, focuses on coordinating financial, relational, and personal capital so nothing important falls through the cracks.

In this episode, Andrew breaks down why most founders lose themselves after an exit, how poor delegation is really a clarity problem, and why many leaders confuse being in charge with being in control. They also talk about building family architecture alongside financial success, the hidden risks of self-reliance, and why the real goal is not just making money, but creating freedom, impact, and a life that actually feels complete.

Key Topics:

-Why founders lose themselves when their whole identity is tied to the company

-Why money without meaning can still leave you with deep regret

-How great leaders delegate better by choosing clarity over control

-Why building wealth without building family values usually breaks in the next generation

-Why the best founders stop chasing more and start designing a life with purpose

Timestamps:

01:26 Entrepreneurial excellence starts with one brutal question, who are you without your company

06:13 The business he built came from a painful truth about his relationship with his father

09:43 Chasing enough can still leave you with your biggest regret

10:19 Money without meaning is still meaningless

13:43 Most founders build financial architecture, but completely ignore family architecture

15:40 Real leadership starts when you do the emotional work on yourself

20:45 Delegation is not weakness, it is an investment in a better life

21:50 Founders confuse being in charge with being in control

23:38 Most delegation problems are actually clarity problems

28:28 People are unhappy for one simple reason, mismatched expectations

32:14 After the exit, many founders do not lose money first, they lose identity

36:41 The real test of freedom is whether you can disappear for a week

44:27 Wealth falls apart when advisors work in silos instead of in sync

47:14 Great outcomes require three things, specificity, participation, and delegation

54:24 Giving wealth without values is like handing a teenager a Maserati with jet fuel

57:44 Trust is the real reason founders wait too long to get help

1:00:15 The real value is not the money, it is the freedom that money creates

1:02:57 Self-reliance creates blind spots, strong teams create better outcomes

1:04:11 You are only as good as the people you put around you

1:06:17 The most important work for a founder is working on themselves

Connect with - Andrew Windham:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/andrewwindham

Website: EducatedFreedom.com

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast⁠

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24⁠Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.hirechore.com/resources/podcast

Jared is the founder of Outworks, a company helping B2B leaders turn their thinking into consistent, buyer-facing content that builds trust over time. With a background in sales, marketing, and leadership, he has seen firsthand how buyer behavior has shifted and why executive visibility now plays a direct role in growth, recruiting, and closing deals. His work focuses on building content systems that feel human, not automated, even in a world powered by AI.

In this episode, Jared shares why most LinkedIn content fails, how AI should be used without turning your message into noise, and why consistency beats intensity every time. They also talk about the metrics that actually matter, why vanity metrics are misleading, and how a single post with the right audience can drive real business. He also explains how trust compounds over time, why every executive should be creating content, and how companies can build a system that works without turning leaders into full-time creators.

Key Topics:

-Why most B2B companies have a familiarity problem, not a pipeline problem

-Trust is built long before a buyer ever books a call

-Executive content can drive sales, recruiting, and long term brand trust

-AI can support content creation, but human voice still matters most

-The best content strategy is a system that keeps you visible and top of mind

Timestamps:

05:12 Why Mental Toughness Matters More Than Your Business Plan

06:41 The Real Reason He Finally Bet on Himself

07:45 The Dumpster Fire Acquisition That Changed Everything

13:32 The Career Hit That Forced Him to Grow

14:13 The Advice That Changed How He Handled Setbacks

16:15 The LinkedIn Problem That Turned Into a Real Business

17:11 Why Buyers Trust Executives Before They Trust Companies

18:13 Trust Is Being Built Long Before the First Sales Call

19:14 Why Most LinkedIn Content Fails to Stand Out

20:08 AI Can Write Posts, But It Still Cannot Build Real Trust

21:42 Why Every Executive Should Be Creating Content Right Now

24:43 Why CEO Content Alone Is Not Enough Anymore

27:11 How They Use AI Without Turning Content Into Spam

31:07 The Truth About ROI on Content That Most Founders Miss

31:49 A Post With 300 Views Can Still Make You Money

35:00 The System That Makes Executive Content Actually Work

38:24 Ads Capture Ready Buyers, Content Wins the Rest

41:20 The Most Underrated Skill Every Executive Still Needs

44:16 Treat Everyone Like a Mentor and Watch What Happens

Connect with - Jared Gibson: 

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/jaredoutworks

Website: https://www.outworks.io/?utm_source=linkedin-company-page

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast⁠

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24⁠Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.hirechore.com/resources/podcast

Olivier is the co-founder and Chief Growth Officer of The Swarm, a platform that helps companies map and activate their networks for growth. Before that, he bootstrapped TimeLapse into a seven-figure agency working with startups and brands like Rakuten, Lyft, and Stanford Research Park. His experience gives him a practical view of growth, networking, and what it really takes to build something that lasts.

In this episode, Olivier talks about why giving before you ask matters so much, why warm introductions are still one of the most underused growth channels, and how founders can get more value from the network they already have. They also talk about lessons from building and closing an agency, the difference between audience and real relationships, and why AI will make human connection even more important.

Key Topics:

-Why Your Network Might Be Your Biggest Untapped Growth Channel

-What Most Founders Still Get Wrong About Networking

-Why Warm Intros Still Beat Cold Outreach

-How Great Founders Turn Relationships Into Revenue

-What Burnout Taught Him About Building the Wrong Way

-Why AI Will Make Human Connection Even More Valuable

Timestamps:

04:14 What a Real Network Actually Looks Like

05:12 The Untapped Potential Around Every Entrepreneur

06:08 Give Before You Ask Is the Real Networking Advantage

07:28 Your Audience Is Not the Same as Your Network

08:55 How to Map Your Network Using Real Relationship Data

10:30 How Great Founders Create Value for Their Network First

12:09 How Network-Driven Founders Win in Fundraising, Sales, and Hiring

14:02 How Much Time Founders Should Spend Nurturing Their Network

15:01 How Olivier Bootstrapped TimeLapse from Scratch

18:17 Burnout, Key Hires Leaving, and the Beginning of the End

19:47 Why He Walked Away to Build Something More Scalable

20:33 Why a Co-Founder Could Have Changed Everything

22:55 If He Did It Again, He Would Niche Down Much Earlier

23:28 What The Swarm Actually Does for Companies

25:07 Warm Intros Are Still the Most Underused Growth Channel

26:02 Why Building an Owned Audience Still Compounds

26:43 AI Can Speed Up Content, But Messaging Must Stay Human

28:23 Why AI Noise Will Make Human Relationships More Valuable

29:45 Warm Intros Are Just the Beginning of Network Influence

30:51 Olivier’s Best Advice for Early-Stage Founders

31:51 Why Co-Founder Fit Can Make or Break the Company

Connect with - Olivier Roth:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/olivier-roth

Website: theswarm.com

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast⁠

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24⁠Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.hirechore.com/resources/podcast

Andrew is the co-founder of Clearco, one of the fastest growing fintech companies that pioneered revenue-based financing for founders. Now, as the founder of Boardy, he is building an AI-powered super connector designed to match people with the exact opportunities, relationships, and resources they need at the right moment. His work sits at the intersection of technology, human judgment, and how the future economy will operate.

In this episode, Andrew talks about why skill stacking can make you impossible to compete with, how being underestimated can become your biggest advantage, and why conviction matters more than consensus. They also discuss how AI will reshape work, why smaller and more fragmented companies will dominate, and how founders should think about building in a world where intelligence is everywhere. 

Key Topics:

-The best founders focus on work only they can do

-Being underestimated can become your biggest advantage

-Conviction matters most when the path is still unclear

-AI will replace routine work, but not human judgment

-Boardy, an AI that connects the right people at the right time

Timestamps:

03:22 Chasing Legacy Is the Wrong Founder Goal

04:10 Great Companies Start by Changing One Life

06:14 Why He Left Clearco to Build Bordy

06:42 The Mission to Back People Everyone Else Misses

07:33 How Bordy Finds What Makes You Different

09:00 Trust Still Runs the Entire Economy

10:41 The Founder Bet He Could Not Explain

13:18 The Moment He Knew It Was Time to Let Go

15:13 The Question Every Founder Has to Face

17:06 Would You Still Hire Yourself as CEO

19:28 Skill Stacking Beats Being Best at One Thing

24:30 Why Being Underestimated Became His Edge

26:28 How Long Can You Survive Looking Crazy

27:47 Founders Need a Clear View of the Future

31:27 Why the Next Era Will Create 100x More Founders

32:45 The Future Belongs to Smaller, Faster Companies

34:44 AI Will Replace More Work Than Most People Think

35:24 The Human Advantage AI Still Cannot Copy

39:12 Most VCs Are Using AI Completely Wrong

41:40 The Best Investors Think Like Future Builders

45:40 Chatbots Are Not the End Game

47:40 When AI Stops Assisting and Starts Deciding

53:12 How Clearco Mistook Momentum for Product Market Fit

55:42 The Moment You Know the Market Is Pulling You

59:23 Great Culture Must Match the Customer

01:00:27 If It Matters, Why Are You Waiting

01:05:14 Why Curiosity Now Matters More Than Experience

01:10:45 The Goal Is a Company That Gets Better Without You

01:11:50 Build the Role Only You Can Fill

01:17:45 The Biggest Breakthroughs Happen Across Worlds

01:20:52 Stop Trying to Build Like Someone Else

01:21:51 Find What Feels Easy to You but Valuable to Others

Connect with - Andrew D'Souza: 

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/andrewdsouza

X - @andrewdsouza

Website: https://www.boardy.ai/

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast⁠

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24⁠Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.hirechore.com/resources/podcast

Eric is the co-founder and general partner at Hustle Fund, a pre-seed venture firm focused on backing early-stage founders. Before investing, he built and exited a company and later worked at Instagram. Today, he looks for founders who move quickly, learn fast, and show real progress over time, not just strong narratives or well-crafted pitches.

In this episode, Eric talks about how mission-driven founders think differently, why long-term thinking matters more than short-term wins, and how AI is changing what it means to build and compete. They also discuss why smaller teams can outperform larger ones, how hiring should focus on adaptability, and why the best founders keep building toward what comes next instead of staying attached to one outcome.

Key Topics:

-Great founders look wrong early, that is often the signal you are onto something

-Mission beats money, the strongest builders are driven by something deeper

-Speed of execution is now the real advantage, not ideas or resources

-The best founders are playing long-term games, not chasing short-term wins

-AI raised the bar for everyone, now anyone can build but few can stand out

Timestamps:

03:13 The Founder Trait That Beats Chasing Money

06:55 When Money No Longer Motivates You, What Is Left

10:54 You Do Not Need to Destroy Your Life to Win Big

12:19 Stop Counting Hours, Start Measuring This Instead

15:14 Why Founders See the Future Before Investors Do

16:31 Big Wins Start by Betting Against the Obvious

17:02 The Real Thing Investors Are Betting On

18:20 The Startups That Look Dumb First Can Win Biggest

22:00 AI Just Made Startup Investing Way Harder

24:52 Why Early-Stage Startup Investing Is Not for Most People

28:31 Great Founders Think Bigger Than One Company

31:38 The Best Builders Are Always Building Toward the Next Thing

34:32 For Some Founders, Startups Are Their Art Form

38:00 AI Is Not Ending Work, It Is Raising the Bar

39:48 In This New Era, Speed Beats Almost Everything

42:52 In 2026, You Have No Excuse to Not Ship

44:25 The Founder Skillset Has Officially Changed

50:47 The Next Great Founders Will Need More Than Technical Skills

58:28 As AI Grows, Real-Life Connection Becomes More Valuable

01:00:42 Why Lean Teams May Crush Bigger Companies

01:03:31 Teams Win Bigger When Greed Is Not in the Room

01:05:59 Why Playing Long-Term Games Changes Everything

01:10:38 The Leadership Rule That Makes Hard Decisions Easier

01:21:45 Every Human Being Matters, And That Changes How You Build

Connect with - Eric Bahn: 

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ericbahn

X - @ericbahn

Website: https://www.hustlefund.vc/team

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast⁠

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24⁠Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.hirechore.com/resources/podcast

He explains why failure teaches more than success, why speed is a startup advantage most founders still underestimate, and why the hardest decisions often come when belief, pressure, and reality all collide.

Dori is the co-founder and CEO of SimpleClosure. Before that, he co-founded Earny, a consumer fintech company that grew to more than 3.5 million users, and earlier in his career, he also co-founded HashSnap. After going through the painful and confusing process of facing a possible shutdown at Earny, he built SimpleClosure to help founders handle shutdowns with more clarity, less chaos, and more dignity.

In this episode, Dori breaks down why founders often tie their self-worth to the company, why shutdown is still a topic many avoid in public, and how the best founders learn by stepping back and facing the real reasons things went wrong. They also talk about when it is time to keep pushing versus when it is time to stop, why trust matters more than optics when handling investors, why revenue matters earlier than most founders think, and why ruthless prioritization may be the most important skill a founder can build.

Key Topics:

-The founder identity trap and why company failure can feel deeply personal

-What failure teaches that success often hides

-Speed as a startup advantage and why most teams still move too slowly

-The point when revenue needs to become the priority

-How great founders figure out what truly moves the business forward

-Ruthless prioritization as the skill that keeps startups alive

Timestamps

05:18 The brutal boardroom moment, shutdown was on the table before he saw it coming

06:53 Founders fail all the time, they just do not post about it

08:46 The truth most founders learn late, failure teaches more than success ever will

13:29 What felt like speed back then was actually slow

15:47 Sometimes the smartest founder move is shutting down before everything breaks

20:57 Investors may remember how you shut down more than how much money you returned

32:27 Startup speed is a real advantage, and most founders still underestimate it

34:24 The best teams do not wait for perfect, they ship and improve fast

38:08 The lesson too many founders learn late, revenue matters early

39:12 If it does not move the needle, it is a distraction

43:26 Working longer is not the answer, better priorities are

51:25 His one piece of advice for every founder, ruthlessly prioritize

Connect with - Dori Yona:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/dori-yona-b8369877

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast⁠

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24⁠Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.hirechore.com/resources/podcast

Warren is a three time founder and a partner at Pear VC. He co-founded Vidme, scaled it fast through organic growth, and later built Knowable, an audio first learning platform acquired by Medium, where he led product and business work. Today, he backs consumer founders and looks for proof over polish, what you built, what changed since the last meeting, and how quickly you can turn a hypothesis into something real.

In this episode, Warren breaks down high agency, how great teams ship, test, and iterate like scientists, and why hiring is more about standards and autonomy than titles. They also talk about risk, when the “safe” choice is the expensive one, why founders should take their shot while the window is still open, and why metrics can mislead if you ignore the real costs underneath.

Key Topics:

-Why the clearest sign your idea is real is that most people call it dumb

-How to spot high agency fast, what changed since the last meeting

-Why the best founders think like scientists, ship an MVP, test one hypothesis, learn fast

-What “contrarian and right” really means, and why you never fully know until you build

-Why prototypes beat pitch decks, show what you built, not what you plan

-Why ARR can be a trap metric when you ignore COGS and customer acquisition costs

Timestamps:

01:56 The cliche that still holds, Steve Jobs had the vision, then executed it

03:02 Great founders see what feels broken, then they go fix it

04:29 The clearest sign your idea is real, most people think it is dumb

05:36 You do not know if you are right, you take the plunge and hear no 50 times

08:49 There is no one place to get great ideas, it comes from everywhere

10:13 The four quadrant truth, see problems plus agency, that is an entrepreneur

11:00 Ask a question, bring a solution too

12:20 The test for agency, does this person get it done

12:45 Between meetings, what changed, that is the signal

14:40 Founders are scientists, ship fast, test the hypothesis, learn fast

15:34 You cannot rewire people, you hire for speed and bias for action

17:41 The fastest filter, show me what you built

18:42 If you have not tried anything, that is a yellow flag

22:24 The advice that hits hard, not taking risks is a risk

30:33 If the crowd runs one way, it is hard to run the other way, but that is where opportunity is

32:41 The window closes, leave before kids, mortgage, and higher opportunity cost

35:23 The painful founder lesson, this is a feature, not a company

38:21 It hit Reddit and grew 10 percent week over week, zero marketing, pure pull

44:05 The fog is real, the AWS bill was 250K a month

55:03 The venture lesson, build growth into the DNA of the product

57:45 Your vision should be so good people would wear it on their shirt

59:32 The humane hard skill, shorten the time between “I should let them go” and doing it

1:10:37 The trap metric, ARR is dangerous if you ignore COGS and acquisition cost

1:12:38 The single advice, be true to yourself, do not chase other people’s ideas or fads

Connect with - Warren Shaeffer:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/warrenshaeffer

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast⁠

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24⁠Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.hirechore.com/resources/podcast

Matt is the CEO and co-founder of ClearCOGS, a prescriptive AI platform helping restaurants make better decisions on demand forecasting, staffing, and inventory. Before tech, he lived the operator life, early mornings, late nights, thin margins, constant people problems, and the kind of daily chaos most founders never experience. That operator empathy shaped how he builds today, he focuses less on shiny features and more on change management, adoption, and delivering guidance in a way restaurant teams will actually use.

In this episode, Matt unpacks how he turned a broken store from 400K to 1.2M in 18 months, why culture can beat “perfect training,” and why doing the work yourself is the fastest way to get buy-in. He also breaks down what ClearCOGS really does, predicting what will happen tomorrow so operators can prep, staff, and order with less guessing. They also get into AI’s new reality, build fast, test fast, but do not confuse speed with wisdom, because you can now ship risky mistakes just as fast as good ideas.

Key Topics:

-Why buying a “broken” business can be the fastest way to learn real entrepreneurship

-He turned 400K into 1.2M in 18 months, what actually changed behind the scenes

-The leadership moment that matters most, choosing pain over being controlled

-Why “culture” can beat a perfect training program in high pressure teams

-How ClearCOGS predicts tomorrow, and why restaurants need decisions, not dashboards

-Why AI adoption is a trust problem first, and a tech problem second

Timestamps:

02:46 The real lesson founders miss, the business you love is not the business that pays

03:33 Entrepreneurial excellence is not a vibe, it is backbone plus execution

04:51 Walking into disaster, broken systems, zero standards, and he still said yes

06:59 The rule that makes bold founders early, take the risk while you can still recover

09:12 A manager tried to corner him, and he chose pain over being controlled

10:25 The moment the team flipped, they stopped watching and started helping

11:46 The turnaround play, stop “changing everything” and win one small fix per day

14:42 From 400K to 1.2M in 18 months, the grind behind the numbers

15:22 After a 22 hour shift, he signed the quit letter, then forgot it existed

18:19 The hiring truth nobody wants, it is easier to reset than to rewire habits

23:23 “Simple” is not “easy”, why franchise playbooks still fail in real life

29:43 Restaurant moneyball, the decision that saves profit before closing time

59:19 The trap metric that makes numbers look good while the brand dies

Connect with - Matt Wampler:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/matthewjwampler

Website - clearcogs.com/

hubs.ly/Q01LLR4X0

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast⁠

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24⁠Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.hirechore.com/resources/podcast

Mike is the founder of One Oak Financial, a virtual financial planning firm built around the idea that every person’s financial life is “one of a kind.” After working inside big banks and seeing how the system is designed for profit first, he built a firm that listens deeper, says no when it’s not a fit, and helps clients align taxes, cash flow, and long term goals with how they actually live and build. He also shares the founder mindset behind leaving Wall Street, learning to tell a better story, and building a business that can run without you.

In this episode, Mike unpacks how to choose a financial planner without getting fooled by titles, why you should ask an advisor to show their own finances, and what “aligned incentives” really looks like. He also gets into focus, long term investing, and why people panic when the stock market is “on sale.” 

Key Topics:

-Why entrepreneurial excellence is simply solving a real problem

-What the paralysis penalty is and why it keeps people stuck

-How to choose a fiduciary and avoid “fake” trust signals

-Why you should ask your financial advisor to show their own finances

-Why long term investing fails when fear takes over

-How founders should think about retirement, taxes, and building a business that runs without them

Timestamps:

02:08 The simplest definition of excellence most founders forget

11:05 The unfair advantage that beats hustle every time

13:17 The money move you should make way earlier than you think

17:10 The hidden cost of doing it all alone

24:46 The 3 ways advisors get paid, and what that means for you

31:48 The “paralysis penalty” that quietly drains your future

38:03 The long game mindset that keeps you rich while others panic

38:34 The weird reason people miss the best buying moments

40:31 What to do when the market “goes on sale”

50:30 The margin rule that keeps entrepreneurs from going broke

51:14 The one thing every business dies without

59:19 The urgency thesis, why saving now changes everything later

1:07:40 The real freedom test for any business owner

1:08:27 The proud moment every founder wants, and how you earn it

Connect with - Mike Milligan, CFP®: 

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/mikemilligancfp

Website - 1oakfinancial.com (Company)

mike%20milligan.com (Company)

jbpgroup.com (Company)

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast⁠

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24⁠Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.hirechore.com/resources/podcast

A three-time founder turned executive coach and the founder of Human Interfaces, Vladimir exited a wealth management SaaS company and worked across fintech and space tech before focusing on coaching technical founders. Today, he helps leaders overcome misalignment, communication gaps, and hidden cognitive bias that stall growth.

In this episode, he unpacks why ideas are less important than people, how action generates the data founders need, and why open-ended questions unlock better sales and stronger teams. He also shares why delegation signals maturity and why success comes from collecting real experience, not just knowledge.

Key Topics:

-Why great tech fails without human connection

-How ego and bias quietly destroy founder decisions

-Why action beats overthinking in business

-How misalignment kills teams before revenue does

-Why people, not ideas, build winning companies

Timestamps:

07:10 Why Technical Founders Hit an Invisible Ceiling

08:06 The High Risk Skill Nobody Trains, Human Interaction

10:39 Innovation Needs Therapy Level Understanding of People

17:06 Technical Skill in Isolation Is Just an Art Piece

19:55 Your Job as a Founder, Speak the Market’s Language

23:16 The Ego Trap, Thinking Your Model Is The Truth

27:42 The Question Shift That Kills Bias, Open Ended Over Close Ended

29:11 The Brutal Take, Most People Only Want to Talk About Themselves

37:14 Action Generates Data, The Simple Rule Most Founders Ignore

50:26 The Real Driver, People Buy Emotionally Not Logically

53:01 Market Reality Beats Technical Elegance, Every Time

55:09 The CEO Ego Problem, They Won’t Admit It’s a Bet

1:06:55 The Delegation Rule, Recurring and Schedulable Must Go

1:15:46 The Real Belief Shift, Ideas Are Less Important Than People

1:17:40 The Mushroom Line, Why Smart People Struggle at Business

Connect with -Vladimir Baranov:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/vladimirbaranov

Website: https://humaninterfaces.co/?utm_source=linkedin-contact

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.hirechore.com/resources/podcast

Christene is the CEO and founder of The Knowing Group and a thought leader in empathy-driven branding, measurement marketing, and audience psychology. Her agency has worked with global brands such as Toyota, Amazon, and Fortune 50 healthcare companies to clarify identity, understand audiences, and build emotional resonance that drives real business results. She is also part of a 100-plus-year family business, giving her a grounded perspective on legacy, long-term relevance, and what sustains brands across generations.

In this episode, Christene breaks down why emotional intelligence is the missing layer behind many leadership and team problems, how brand is really the emotional expectation of an experience, and why the strongest advantage in today’s market is knowing who you are, what you stand for, and how you want people to feel. She also shares practical clarity practices—like writing your eulogy, removing external inputs, and creating daily “no-noise” time—so leaders can stop living horizontally and start leading from their own internal compass.

Key Topics

• Defining entrepreneurial excellence through vertical alignment

• Why misalignment is expensive in leadership, business, and life

• Emotional intelligence as a core leadership skill, not a soft one

• Brand as the emotional expectation of an experience

• Building trust through experience, not just marketing spend

• Why clarity of identity is your true competitive advantage

• Creating daily space for courage, focus, and real creation

03:08 What Entrepreneurial Excellence Really Means

04:41 Horizontal Living vs Vertical Alignment

05:51 Why Misalignment Is So Costly

09:48 The Mirror Moment Leaders Avoid

10:54 Emotional Intelligence as the Missing Skill

15:43 Legacy Is Built Daily, Not Just Financially

16:57 The Eulogy Exercise for Clarity

20:21 Becoming the Author of Your Own Life

31:52 Psychological Safety and High-Performance Teams

36:53 Brand Defined as Emotional Expectation

50:33 The CEO Habit of Creating Space

1:06:18 The Work Is Not Glamorous, But It Is Real

1:16:12 The One Practice Leaders Need Every Day

Connect with Christene Marie

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christenemarie

Website: theknowingagency.com

Personal Site: christenemarie.com

Connect with Entrepreneurial Excellence Podcast

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

YouTube: youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok: tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website: levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Lisa is a founder, investor, author, and creator of Bad Bitch Empire, a global brand and movement built to challenge the invisible rules that keep women playing small. With a background spanning elite athletics, Wall Street, venture capital, and now music, she brings a rare perspective on identity, confidence, and what it really takes to build something bold without losing yourself in the process.

In this episode, she breaks down how good girl conditioning quietly shapes ambition, why women are judged on past proof while men are rewarded for future vision, and how fear can become a compass instead of a stop sign. 

Key Topics:

-Build entrepreneurial excellence through vision, resilience, and repeated failure

-Break free from good girl conditioning that limits confidence and ambition

-Redefine confidence by separating self-worth from outcomes and perfection

-Use fear and discomfort as signals for growth and expansion

-Create impact by aligning your work with identity, values, and truth

01:55 The Question That Instantly Reveals True Entrepreneurial Excellence

02:04 Big Vision With No Quit Even After Repeated Failure

03:31 The Realization She Was Still Playing by Patriarchal Rules

04:22 The 2 Percent Funding Reality That Women Are Expected to Accept

04:35 Good Girl Brainwashing and the Silent Rules That Keep Women Small

06:52 Why Women Are Asked About Past Proof While Men Are Asked About Future Vision

08:24 The Moment She Stopped Chasing Approval From People Who Didn’t Understand Her

11:05 After the Exit Why Success Still Didn’t Feel Like Enough

12:00 The One Question That Redefined Her Identity and Confidence

15:09 Why She Actively Chooses Discomfort as a Growth Strategy

22:11 The Truth Behind Confidence Fear, Breakdowns, and Doing It Anyway

24:15 How She Rewired Her Inner Critic Into a Cheerleader

27:26 The Hard Truth Your Greatest Freedom Is Past Your Deepest Fear

31:22 Why Being Loud, Proud, and Assertive Is Still Punished in Women

1:12:50 The One Line That Defines Entrepreneurial Excellence Focus on Who You’re Becoming

Connect with - Lisa Carmen Wang:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/lisacarmenwang

Website: https://www.lisawang.co/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisacarmenwang/

Instagram: @lisacarmenwang

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Jonathan Troyer is a multi-time founder and customer experience leader in gaming innovation. He’s built and scaled companies across gaming and e-commerce, including Officium Labs, and he’s known for turning CX into a revenue engine through systems, empathy, and smart use of AI.

In this episode, he breaks down how to validate a 10x value idea through testing and iteration, what it really takes to build a moat in an AI-first world, and the mindset that separates winners from everyone else, know who you are, stay flexible, and don’t quit.

Key Topics:

-Build 10x value by solving real problems, not ego

-Test fast, iterate, get traction before scaling

-Build an AI moat with clear switching value and the right segment

-Make CX a revenue driver through speed and issue resolution

-Scale with grit, strong systems, and protect 10x work

Connect with - Jonathan Shroyer:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/chiefcxofficer

Website: foresiteads.com

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

AJ Cassata is the founder of Revenue Boost, an outbound agency that helps B2B businesses validate their positioning, generate qualified leads, and turn cold outreach into consistent sales calls without relying on ads or algorithms. 

In this episode, he breaks down the modern outbound stack, where AI personalization actually fits, why close rates collapse when objections stay hidden, and the one principle that ties everything together, you can’t fail if you don’t quit.

Key Topics:

-Lead Flow Is the First Domino in Any Business

-The Messaging Fix That Makes Outbound Finally Work

-Why AI Personalization Replaced “Spray and Pray” Outreach

-The Close Rate Problem Is Usually an Unasked Objection

-Consistency Wins, Quitting Just Looks Like “Pivoting”

01:25 Defining Entrepreneurial Excellence as “Problem-Solving Without Quitting”

03:34 Resilience Isn’t a Trait, It’s a Muscle

04:31 Motivation Comes From “Why” Plus Daily Habits

05:52 Lead Flow Is the First Domino in Business

08:29 Why Having Leads Beats Having a Perfect Product With No Attention

09:22 Messaging Is Half The Battle in Outbound

10:52 Segment First, Then Craft Specific Pain-Point Messaging

13:06 AI-Enabled SDRs and Personalization at Scale

16:18 The Hidden Cost of Hiring Isn’t Salary

17:40 When SDRs Still Make Sense in an AI World

21:20 Fixing a Weak Close Rate Starts With Funnel Truth

23:18 Sales Is Detective Work, Invite The Objection

24:25 Founder-Led Sales Is Non-Negotiable Early

26:06 Getting Better Fast With Coaches and AI Call Review

28:32 Sales Methodologies Share the Same Four Pillars

30:11 Speed and Follow-Up Signal Customer Experience

32:25 Why AJ Started Door-to-Door and Dropped Out

37:49 The Pivot Into Digital Marketing and First Clients

38:29 Building an Agency From a Sprinter Van

39:24 The Vietnam Move and Making Remote Work Sustainable

42:03 Constraints Breed Creativity in Remote Hiring and Selling

46:02 Marketing Fundamentals Before Channels

47:41 The Three Online Lead Engines Explained

50:33 Minimum Viable Online Presence for Trust

52:10 Outbound Now, Inbound Next for Compounding

54:09 The Growth Ceiling Is Usually Operations

56:38 The One Outbound Tool AJ Would Keep

57:12 Cold Email Isn’t Dead, Bad Cold Email Is

58:03 Cold Calling Still Works, Maybe Better Now

59:35 The One Book Every Founder Should Read on Offers

01:00:42 The Single Metric AJ Tracks Closest to Revenue

01:01:06 Advice to His 19-Year-Old Self

01:02:07 The One Rule That Ties It All Together

Connect with -AJ Cassata:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ajcassata

Website: revenueboost.net/

facebook.com/groups/b2bsalesandmarketingsecrets

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Nick Mehta is the Co-Founder and CEO of Gainsight, one of the companies that helped define Customer Success as a core business function. In this episode, he shares hard-earned lessons on founder growth, hiring beyond yourself, stepping back at the right time, and why entrepreneurial excellence has nothing to do with hype and everything to do with long-term conviction.

Key Topics:

- Why Most Founders Never Reach Real Excellence

-The Risky Bet That Built a Category From Nothing

-When Stepping Back as CEO Is the Smartest Move

-The Hiring Mistake That Quietly Kills Scale

-Why Passion Comes After Mastery, Not Before

01:14 Defining Entrepreneurial Excellence Beyond Exits and Valuations

02:38 Why Putting Your Whole Heart In Matters More Than Outcomes

03:39 The Litmus Test That Reveals Who’s Truly Committed

05:18 How Great Founders Stay Sane Without Losing Intensity

06:32 Burnout, Dopamine, and Why Stepping Away Makes You Better

08:17 Why Market Choice Matters More Than Culture or Work Ethic

How picking the right space quietly determines long-term success.

09:41 The “10-Year Overnight Success” Myth Explained

10:11 Why Nick Joined a No-Revenue Company in a Non-Existent Category

11:09 How Customer Success Became a Category, Not a Feature

The early insight that turned churn into a board-level priority.

13:00 Why Founders Stepping Back Can Be a Strength, Not a Failure

15:00 From Extreme Shyness to CEO Presence

18:01 Why Childhood Patterns Shape Leadership Style

20:08 Self-Awareness, Coaching, and the Enneagram for CEOs

23:06 What Investors Optimize For vs. What Founders Should

25:29 How to Filter Advice Without Getting Starstruck

27:47 Why Nick Chose Operating Over Venture Capital

29:35 Why “Follow Your Passion” Is Often Bad Advice

32:05 How Getting Good at Something Creates Passion Over Time

34:09 How Family Sacrifice and Regret Shaped Entrepreneurial Drive

36:28 Choosing the Wrong Path First—and Correcting It

38:09 How Gainsight Built a Category Through Community First

39:41 The Accidental Meetup That Sparked a Movement

42:30 Why Community Became a Durable Competitive Advantage

43:22 Why Founders Shouldn’t “Scale Themselves Out” Too Early

44:57 Being a “Micro-Learner,” Not a Micromanager

46:25 The One Decision That Kills Companies Quietly

48:40 How to Avoid Shiny Object Syndrome as a CEO

50:34 What Real Company Culture Actually Is

53:27 “Human First” as a Competitive Advantage

54:23 Why Speed Is the New Differentiator in SaaS

56:21 The Hidden Cost of Over-Protecting Employees

58:03 When CEO Involvement Becomes a Bottleneck

59:20 Where Founders Should Actually Micromanage

01:00:22 Why Delegation Isn’t About Time, It’s About Context

01:02:03 The Brewery Lesson Every Founder Should Learn

01:03:25 What a “Founder-Only” Company Really Looks Like

01:05:36 Why Hiring Is More Expensive Than Founders Think

01:07:02 Why Investor Advice Often Doesn’t Apply

Connect with - Nick Mehta:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/nickmehta

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Scott breaks down what investors really look for, how trust is built long before money is involved, and why consistent momentum matters more than a perfect plan. He explains how strong teams are formed, why most founders underestimate the cost of doing everything themselves, and how small wins every two weeks compound into real traction. 

As technology makes it easier for anyone to build, Scott shares what still creates a true edge: relationships, credibility, and the willingness to keep moving forward when the answer is “no.” 

This conversation pulls back the curtain on venture, leadership, and what entrepreneurial excellence really looks like when the cameras are off.

Key Topics:

- Fundraising as a false signal of entrepreneurial success

- Execution and delegation as the real drivers of scale

- Trust and relationships as the foundation of venture outcomes

- Traction over storytelling in winning investor confidence

- Leadership built on humility, learning, and momentum

Quote  From The Episode:

“Most entrepreneurs shouldn’t be raising money. They should be building their business.”

- Scott Kelly

Timestamp:

[00:20] Fundraising Is a Vanity Metric—and Most Founders Get Excellence Wrong

[11:09] Real Founders Let the Market Decide Instead of Scaling Too Early or Chasing Capital

[20:58] How Relationship Capital Turns Simple Coffee Meetings Into Eight-Figure Deals

[29:58] Trust Is the Ultimate Advantage in Venture—and the Fastest Way to Control Deal Flow

[40:12] Winning Investors Without Raising Money: The Power of Relentless Progress Updates

[50:18] The Founders Who Win Every Two Weeks Obsess Over Time, Delegation, and Speed

[1:01:24] Building Defensible Moats in a World Where AI Makes Everyone Equal

[1:13:25] Outro

Connect with - Scott Kelly:

LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/blackdogceo

Websites -blackdogventurepartners.com facebook.com/blackdogventurepartners/

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

We go deep into the moments that shaped billion-dollar fintech moves — including the split-second choice that saved $700M during the SVB meltdown, and the internal mistake that triggered one of the toughest days of his life. 

You’ll hear how he recruits top talent without relying only on money, why curiosity matters only when aimed at the right things, and what it means to truly understand the details that run a business. He also shares the childhood lesson that shaped his leadership style and gave him the courage to ask the questions others avoid.

Tune in to hear the thinking, the risks, and the uncommon moves behind true entrepreneurial excellence.

Key Topics:

- The hidden traits that separate great founders from everyone else

- Real meaning of hard work and why most people get it wrong

- Decisions that saved Brex during high-stakes crisis moments

- Truth about recruiting A players B players and building the right team

- Mindset shift needed to grow fast and lead through massive change

Quote  From The Episode:

“When something doesn’t make sense, a lot of people are afraid to ask. I don’t have that fear.”

- Michael B. Tannenbaum

Timestamp:

[00:20] Why a $7B CRO Walked Away to Start in a Kitchen — And What He Learned About Founders Who Win

[11:04] The Harsh Truth About “Hard Work” — And Why Most People Never Produce Real Outcomes

[20:05] How Brex Survived the SVB Meltdown—And the One Decision That Saved $700 Million

[30:41] Inside the Decision That Nearly Broke Brex—And the Leadership Blind Spot No One Saw Coming

[41:28] The Childhood Lesson That Turned a CFO’s Son Into One of FinTech’s Boldest Leaders

[52:50] Outro

Connect with - Michael B. Tannenbaum:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/michaeltannenbaum

Website - www.figure.com

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Tyler opens up about the mindset shift that changed his life, why he ran toward failure instead of avoiding it, and how he turned one book into a multi-million-dollar company. He talks about ego, legacy, freedom, and the lonely part of reaching “success” that no one prepares you for. 

He also breaks down why partnerships beat ads, why most entrepreneurs quit too early, and why many founders still fear writing their first book.

Tune in to learn the shifts that helped Tyler turn one book into an empire—and how you can shift your journey too.

Key Topics:

-The mindset shift that turns failure into a pathway to success

-How writing a book becomes a real tool for influence and credibility

-Why partnerships outperform ads for long-term business growth

-The hidden challenges of reaching time freedom as an entrepreneur

-The ego, legacy, and emotional drivers behind why founders publish books

Quote  From The Episode:

“I actually like failure, because the more I fail, the closer I know I am to succeeding.”

- Tyler Wagner

Timestamp:

[00:20] The Mindset Shift That Turns Dropouts Into Industry Leaders

[12:15] How a 20-Year-Old Bestseller Exposed the Secret Value of Publishing

[23:13] How Entrepreneurs Turn a $50K Book Into a Seven-Figure Funnel

[34:40] How a College Dropout Scaled to Eight Figures by Doing the Opposite of Everyone Else

[45:59] Conferences vs. Digital: The Surprising Truth About Where Real Relationships Are Built Today

[56:38] How AI Is Quietly Killing Ghostwriting as We Know It

[1:08:34] Why Partnerships Beat Ads, Content, and Virality—Every. Single. Time.

[1:14:30] Outro

Connect with - Tyler Wagner:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/tylerbwagner

Website - authorsunite.com/

partnerprofits.io

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

He talks openly about losing a company at 29, rebuilding himself at Dolby, firing fast, trusting his gut, and giving his team radical responsibility. Jason also explains why small teams win, why outsourcing is the future, and why believing in yourself is not a motivational quote — it’s survival.

Tune in to hear the truth about failure, hunger, and why your toughest years might be your edge.

Key Topics:

-Radical ownership and fast decision making

-The real cost of mis-hiring and early firing

-Why small teams outperform large organizations

-Outsourcing as a strategic edge for modern founders

-The mindset required to survive repeated failure

Quote  From The Episode:

“You have to radically believe in yourself.”

- Jason Johnson

Timestamp:

[00:19] The One Skill Every Founder Needs—but Almost No One Talks About

[11:07] Why the Best Founders Win Before They Even Build the Product

[21:11] The Practice Habit That Separates Average Founders from Icons

[31:11] The Brutal Truth About Why Founders Quit—and Why Jason Johnson Never Did

[41:19] The Outsourcing Rule Founders Ignore—and It’s Wasting Their Time

[50:31] The New Blueprint: Why the Future Belongs to Tiny Teams

[1:00:25] The Hardest Decision Founders Avoid—And Why It Destroys Their Companies

[1:06:32] Outro

Connect with - Jason Johnson:

LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/jcjohnson

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Mitch shares powerful insights from decades of interviewing top thinkers, building companies, and staying ahead in a world that never stops shifting. He breaks down why success is the anomaly, why most founders fail long before their idea does, and how “the market is brutal” in ways people rarely talk about. 

We go deep into the things most leaders avoid:

why fear can become a superpower, how timing shapes outcomes more than talent, why your network is your net worth, and what it really takes to stay curious when everyone else gets comfortable. Mitch also reveals how AI changes the game, why many people will get left behind, and how to protect your edge when the world moves faster than your habits.

🎧Tune in — this conversation might be the unlock you didn’t know you needed.

Key Topics:

- Mindset shift from speed to direction and momentum

- Real value of storytelling and why most founders overlook it

- Power of nuance when finding product fit and evolving a message

- Truth about delegation and knowing when you’re the bottleneck

- Rise of AI and how curiosity becomes a competitive advantage

Quote From The Episode: 

“Most people won’t do it. And that’s the opportunity.”

- Mitch Joel

Timestamp:

[00:16] Why Only a Few People Actually Win in Business

[18:20] Timing Will Make or Break You—And You Can’t Control It

[29:13] The Hidden Reason Your Brand Gets Ignored

[40:17] The Tiny Discipline That Builds Million-Dollar Networks

[54:13] The Silent Trap That Destroys Early-Stage Startups

[1:07:51] Most Founders Fail Because They Can’t Let Go

[1:19:23] Your Network Is Your Net Worth (But Almost No One Acts Like It)

[1:34:18] Outro

Connect with - Mitch Joel:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/mitchjoel

Website - mitchjoel.com

sixpixels.com

thinkersone.com

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

In this episode, we sit down with Rick DeLisi — a 20-year expert on customer experience, bestselling author of The Effortless Experience, and lead researcher behind a landmark study on how over 1,000 business leaders are using AI in customer service.

Rick breaks down why real customer loyalty has nothing to do with delight, fancy gestures, or “wow moments.” It comes from something far simpler — making people feel smart for choosing you and giving them an experience that feels way easier than expected. 

We also dive into how the next generation of AI will reshape support, why replacing humans is the wrong move, and how the best companies create a balance between automation and human connection. 

Tune in to learn the hidden psychology behind effortless experiences and why it’s the real edge every founder needs right now.

Key Topics:

-How effortless experiences build real customer loyalty

-Why thinking like your customers changes everything

-The new empathy that creates faster and better solutions

-How AI and humans should work together in customer service

-The leadership mindset that keeps companies truly customer centric

Quote  From The Episode:

“Entrepreneurial excellence is thinking like your customers, not about them”

- Rick DeLisi

Timestamp:

[00:20] Why Most Leaders Are Flying Blind — And Don’t Even Know It

[11:16] The Hidden Habit That Destroys Customer Loyalty Overnight

[22:30] The Psychology Trick That Turns Angry Customers Into Lifelong Fans

[33:54] The Fatal Mistake Companies Make When ‘Fixing’ Customer Problems

[45:28] AI Won’t Save You—But This One Shift Will Transform Your Customer Experience

[55:54] The New Empathy: Why ‘I’m Sorry’ Is Killing Your Customer Experience

[1:07:02] Why Employee Effort Is the Hidden Metric That Predicts Customer Loyalty

[1:27:30] Outro

Connect with - Rick DeLisi:

LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/rick-delisi-1122257

Website - glia.com

Email: rick.delisi@glia.com

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

David shares why most startups fail long before they run out of money, how founders can learn to adapt fast, and why falling in love with your problem matters more than falling in love with your product. He opens up about the mission behind Alma Angels, a $1 trillion movement backing women founders, and the hidden biases still shaping the world of venture capital.

If you’re a founder, investor, or leader searching for what it really takes to build something that lasts, this conversation will change the way you see success.

🎧 Tune in to discover how great founders turn pain into progress, why self-awareness beats perfection, and what it truly means to play the infinite game in business and life.

Key Topics:

-Why problem obsession matters more than product obsession

-How bias and warm intros shape who actually gets funded

-Building companies not just products as you scale

-Choosing and stress testing the right co founder

-Leading with empathy while making hard decisions

Quote From The Episode: 

“Pain is learning — the difference between a good entrepreneur and an excellent one is their willingness to feel it.”

-David Fogel

Timestamp:

[00:19] The Hidden Truth Behind Why Startups Fail — And How Great Founders Turn It Around

[12:13] The Unspoken Truth About Bias, Power, and the $1 Trillion Mission to Back Women Founders

[24:41] Inside the $1 Trillion Network Powering the Next Generation of Women Founders

[33:48] The One Trait That Separates Great Founders From Everyone Else

[44:43] Warm Intros, Cold Truths: How Great Founders Turn “No” Into Momentum—and Guard Their Time

[53:50] How to Choose the Right Co-Founder—Before It’s Too Late

[1:04:46] Why the Best Leaders Make Tough Calls—with Heart

[1:18:36] Outro

Connect with - David Fogel:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/fogeldavid

Website - alma-angels.com/

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Kasim walks us through The Black Box of Delegation — a system that turns chaos into clarity, builds ownership instead of oversight, and frees you to work on what actually compounds. He explains why paying 10% more gets you 100x results, how the wrong kind of “management” kills top talent, and why mediocrity is the default setting for most modern businesses.

🎧 Tune in if you’re ready to stop working in your business and start architecting the people, systems, and leverage that make it unstoppable.

Key Topics:

-The Black Box of Delegation

-Why Overpaying Attracts 100x Talent

-Building Leverage Through People, Not Processes

-Escaping the Trap of Mediocre Leadership

-The Founder’s Shift from Control to Clarity

Quote  From The Episode: 

“I believe every human is a miracle.”

-Kasim Aslam

Timestamp:

[00:20] Why Most “Entrepreneurs” Aren’t Actually Entrepreneurs

[14:17] The Only Skill That Matters in a Post-AI World

[23:04] The 7 Secrets to Hiring Talent That Changes Everything

[32:52] The Real Reason Your Team Isn’t World-Class Yet

[42:21] The Black Box of Delegation: How to Let Go Without Losing Control

[51:50] Traffic First. Talent Next. Scale.

[1:04:51] Build Authority Or Be Invisible

[1:25:17] Outro

Connect with - Kasim Aslam:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/kasimaslam

Website - ParetoTalent.com

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

In this episode, Joshua Litwack shares how he went from a lower-middle-class kid in Canada to building and selling a company — only to realize the real work began after the exit.

Josh breaks down how true entrepreneurs think differently: they see patterns no one else does, they reinvent instead of retire, and they measure success by how much meaning and community they create. 

🎧 Tune in to discover what the post-exit journey really looks like — and why the secret to lasting success is learning to trust yourself, redefine greatness, and stay endlessly curious.

Key Topics:

-Reinventing success after selling a company

-Building resilience and trust in yourself

-The power of community and connection

-Goal setting as a foundation for growth

-The mindset of optimism and purpose-driven leadership

Quote From The Episode: 

“The exit is perceived as this like ending point. But it's really just the beginning point of the next part of your life.”

- Joshua Litwack

Timestamp:

[01:39] Willpower, Innovation, and the Future of Work: How Visionaries Create Opportunity in a Changing World

[14:37] From Lower-Middle-Class Kid to Global Leader: The Hidden Compounding Power Behind Reinvention

[25:14] The Goal-Setting Blueprint That Changed My Life: How One Bold Decision Sparked a Lifetime of Reinvention

[35:22] The Obsession with Greatness: How One Founder Turned Risk, Reinvention, and Exit Lessons into His Life’s Best Work

[46:15] Beyond the Exit: The Real Lessons on Deals, Success, and Redefining Greatness in the Age of AI

[58:25] The Art of Storytelling: How the Most Positive Founder Turns Life Experience Into Magnetic Leadership

[1:09:47] Why the Best Founders Are Outcasts: The Goal System and Community That Fuel Relentless Success

[1:21:57] The One Trait That Separates Great Founders From the Rest

[1:27:04] Outro

Connect with - Joshua Litwack:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/joshualitwack

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

We talk about why massive goals force you to evolve, how to spot when your ego is quietly slowing you down, and why entrepreneurship will always feel uncertain — because it’s supposed to.

Tune in if you’re ready to face the truth every founder must learn: you can’t scale your business until you learn to get out of your own way.

Key Topics:

-Breaking free from your own limits

-Ego the silent business killer

-How real leaders let go to grow

-The mindset shift that scales companies

-Why thinking bigger changes everything

Quote  From The Episode: 

“If you don't evolve and change, your business will disappear, no matter what it is.”

-Shawn Freeman

Timestamp:

[00:00] The Hard Truth About Why Most Founders Fail (And How to Finally Get Out of Your Own Way)

[09:22] Why Playing It Safe Kills Growth (And the One Mindset Shift Every Founder Needs)

[18:55] The Real Reason Your Business Plateaus (And Why It’s Always the Founder’s Fault)

[37:15] The Hidden Cost of Outdated Tech (And How Smart Founders Future-Proof Their Teams with AI)

[46:39] Stop Hiring “Good Enough” People — The Real Secret to Building an Unstoppable Team

[49:41] Outro

Connect with - Shawn Freeman:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/shawnfreeman-

Website - https://shawnfreeman.com/

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Shreesha Ramdas shares how he keeps winning by staying optimistic when others quit, how he codified culture into a system that breeds excellence, and why delegation, not control, is the real key to scaling a company.

From his early days leaving India for Silicon Valley to leading a fast-growing SaaS company today, Shreesha reveals the startup fitness framework that helps founders survive chaos and build companies that endure.

Tune in to learn how to build a culture that refuses mediocrity, lead with optimism, and turn every challenge into momentum.

Key Topics:

-The secret behind the 

-Building a culture that rejects mediocrity

-The startup fitness mindset for lasting success

-Turning optimism into a leadership advantage

-Scaling through delegation and trust

-Creating products customers help design

Quote  From The Episode: 

“Tough situations won’t last, but tough founders will.”

-Shreesha Ramdas

Timestamp:

[00:02] The Mindset That Turns Tough Founders Into Industry Builders

[14:06] Inside the Startup Culture That Refuses to Settle for Average

[26:30] From Delhi Dreams to Silicon Valley Success: How One Founder Beat the Odds

[38:17] The 56-Hour Flight That Changed Everything: From Cold Calls to Category Creation

[49:14] The $0-to-Acquisition Blueprint: How One Founder Outsold Giants Like Marketo and Won Big

[1:02:11] Why This CEO Builds Companies Investors Can’t Stop Buying

[1:25:29] Outro

Connect with - Shreesha Ramdas:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/shreesharamdas

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

From living on $50,000 for years and building through sheer persistence, to catching the iPad wave before anyone else, this conversation dives into the mindset, discipline, and daily habits that create real momentum. 

We dig into how to survive the early days, why scaling requires a whole new way of leading, and how today’s AI wave mirrors the mobile revolution. If you’ve ever wondered what it actually feels like to build something enduring, this episode will change how you think about entrepreneurship.

Tune in to learn why relentless focus, small daily improvements, and the willingness to bet on yourself are the real game-changers in building companies that last.

Key Topics:

-The power of irrational persistence in building companies

-The sacrifices and tradeoffs founders make in the early years

-How timing and bold bets can create breakthrough moments

-The fragile reality of co founder dynamics and trust

-The discipline of daily improvement as a path to excellence

Quote  From The Episode: 

“You have a million problems running a startup, until you have one health problem — then you only have one.”

- Daniel Kivatinos

Timestamp:

[00:18] Why Most Founders Quit Too Soon (And How Daniel Kivatinos Beat the Odds)

[13:53] The Irrational Persistence That Builds Billion-Dollar Startups

[24:29] The Hidden Reason Most Startups Fail (And How to Avoid It)

[37:54] The Brutal Tradeoffs That Separate Startup Survivors from Quitters

[48:45] From Ramen to Relevance: The Startup Gamble That Actually Paid Off

[1:02:18] The Unseen Discipline That Turns Struggling Startups Into Industry Leaders

[1:13:39] The Relentless Mindset That Transforms Struggle Into Startup Success

[1:23:54] Outro

Connect with - Daniel Kivatinos:

LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/kivatinos

Website - https://linktr.ee/kivatinos

https://www.justpaid.ai/

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

In this episode, we uncover the hard truths behind building businesses that actually endure. From firing friends to rejecting VC money, from scaling remote teams before it was cool to pulling companies out of financial freefall — this conversation reveals the parts of entrepreneurship you rarely hear about.

You’ll learn why the “perfect” number of employees might be zero, why owning 100% is often the smartest path, and how to survive the painful cuts that keep a company alive.

If you want unfiltered lessons on profit, control, freedom, and what it truly takes to win long term, this episode is the one you don’t want to miss

Key Topics:

-Building companies that last over hype-driven growth

-The real cost of taking venture capital

-Why owning 100 percent creates freedom and control

-Turning unprofitable teams into cash flow machines

-Defining your five year outcome as a founder

Quote From The Episode:

“Founders should never think about an exit when times are bad—sell when times are good.”

- Zack Onisko

Timestamp:

[00:16] From Bootstrapping to Billion-Dollar Lessons: Zack’s Journey in Building Enduring Businesses

[13:21] Why Zach Walked Away from a Rocketship Startup to Lead an 8-Person Team

[24:52] When Bootstrapping Beats Venture Capital: The Hard Truth About Growth and Control

[36:30] How a Remote-First Team Scaled from Garage Hustle to 20 Million Users Without VC Money

[48:56] The Untold Truth About Selling Your Company: Timing, Bankers, and Broken Cap Tables

[1:00:24] The Brutal Reality of Turning Around Failing Companies (and Staying Focused as a Leader)

[1:12:11] The One Question Every Entrepreneur Must Answer Before Building a Business

[1:21:35] Outro

Connect with - Zack Onisko:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/zack415

Website - zack415.com

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

From selling her first startup to Walmart Labs, to leading a $30M initiative in Southeast Asia under President Obama, to now serving over 80,000 families with gut health testing—her journey is anything but ordinary.

Cheryl opens up about the hard truths of building in health tech: why prevention is a tough sell, what founder-market fit really means, and how integrity and resilience kept her going even when she faced corruption, politics, and personal threats. 

If you’ve ever wondered what separates great founders from the rest, Cheryl lays it bare: obsession, execution, and the courage to learn fast. 

This is not a polished Silicon Valley success story—it’s raw, real, and packed with lessons every entrepreneur needs to hear.

Key Topics:

-Founder market fit and why conviction matters

-The challenge of selling prevention versus solving urgent pain

-Building trust without credentials through science and transparency

-Hiring early employees and shaping culture from the start

-Resilience and integrity in the face of threats and setbacks

Quote From The Episode:

“Sometimes the best founders aren’t experts at the start, but they’re willing to do anything to become one.”

-Cheryl Sew Hoy

Timestamp:

[00:15] Nobody Wanted Prevention (So I Built a Company That Changed Everything)

[15:34] How a Founder Without Medical Training Built a Health Company From Scratch

[27:26] Why The Best Founders Don’t Rely on Expertise—They Build It

[38:23] From Death Threats to Breaking Silence: How One Founder Refused to Back Down

[50:52] The Hardest Lessons I Learned About Hiring and Culture as a Founder

[1:02:26] How I Built a Startup While Raising Three Kids and Reading 10,000 Customer Emails

[1:12:58] The Single Superpower Every Founder Needs to Succeed

[1:17:56] Outro

Connect with - Cheryl Sew Hoy:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/cherylyeoh

Website - https://www.tinyhealth.com/

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

In this raw and eye-opening conversation, the CEO Whisperer breaks down the hidden traps that cost entrepreneurs millions and the exact systems that create unstoppable momentum.

We go deep on why the best founders obsess over numbers, how to spot when your culture is slipping, and the uncomfortable truth that comfort is the fastest way to kill growth. This is not a theory. These are the frameworks that turn fragile businesses into resilient ones that scale past seven and eight figures.

Tune in now if you’re ready to see the blind spots in your company and learn what top performers already know about building predictable, repeatable profits.

Key Topics:

-Two thirds of marketing runs blind without context

-Variation is the enemy of excellence

-Top performers embrace numbers while low performers hide from them

-Consumption is the real driver of conversion

-Comfort is the million dollar mistake that kills growth

Quote  From The Episode: 

“Variation is the enemy of excellence.”

-Charles E. Gaudet II

Timestamp:

[00:19] The Hidden Formula CEOs Use to Turn Chaos Into Predictable Growth

[13:03] Why ‘Variation’ Might Be Quietly Killing Your Business

[24:06] Why Top Performers Crave KPIs—and the Busy Ones Don’t

[36:25] The KPI Secret That Builds a High-Performance Culture

[48:36] The 96% Rule: How Consumption Turbocharges Your Sales

[1:04:58] From Rogue Waves to Rocket Ships: How Founders Survive Disruption

[1:15:06] The Million-Dollar Mistake Every Founder Must Avoid

[1:27:34] Outro

Connect with - Charles E. Gaudet II:

LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/charlesgaudet

Website - PredictableProfits.com (Company)

youtube.com/channel/UCvNG-gs5lsgJZ_Mv2f5k1HQ (Other)

predictableprofits.com/beyond-7-figures/ (Blog)

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

In this episode, Mike Del Ponte pulls back the curtain on what real success looks like and it has nothing to do with chasing someone else’s playbook. From near startup collapse to selling Soma, Mike reveals the hard truths most founders only learn the painful way.

We explore why vision, team, and resources decide the fate of every company, and why so many CEOs fail at one of them. Mike shares how culture is built in the handoffs between people, why honesty is a superpower, and how reinvention every six months may be the only way to survive as a founder.

This isn’t just about startups — it’s about what happens when coaching, faith, family, and billion-dollar ambitions collide.

👉 Tune in to discover why the real measure of excellence is nothing like you’ve been taught.

Key Topics:

-Defining excellence through values and authenticity

-The difference between wants and true commitments

-Vision team and resources as the foundation of leadership

-Coaching as a catalyst for growth and survival

-Balancing ambition with faith family and personal freedom

Quote  From The Episode: 

“Show me how you spend your time, and I’ll show you what you actually value.”

- Mike Del Ponte

Timestamp:

[01:57] The Hidden Truth About Excellence: Why Most Founders Get It Wrong

[11:19] Why Vision, Values, and Persistence Define Real Entrepreneurs

[20:56] How Almost Losing It All Turned Me Into a Better CEO

[30:52] The Coach That Saved My Startup and Changed How I Lead Forever

[41:15] Can AI Replace Your Coach? The Founder’s Dilemma on Optimization and ROI

[51:36] Reinvent or Be Replaced: The Founder’s Real Job Every 6 Months

[1:02:44] The Hard Question Every Founder Avoids: Job or Family?

[1:16:21] The One Trait That Separates Great Founders From the Rest

[1:26:27] Outro

Connect with - Mike Del Ponte:

LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/mikedelponte

Website - mikedelponte.co

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

What does success really mean? Is it hitting your first million, chasing a billion, or waking up every day doing something you love?

In this episode, David Kram takes us inside the raw side of entrepreneurship — from being broke in San Francisco to building a business in the Hollywood Hills.

David shares how chasing wealth brought both freedom and noise, why believing your own bullshit can sometimes be the edge you need, and the harsh truth that money alone doesn’t buy happiness. 

He opens up about cannabis as a proving ground for resilience, the power of conviction, and why storytelling and people are the real currencies of entrepreneurship.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to make it and why most people get it wrong — this conversation will change the way you think about success.

Key Topics:

-Redefining success from money to meaning

-Believing your own story to create conviction

-The role of cannabis in shaping resilience and risk

-Storytelling and people as the real drivers of entrepreneurship

-The hard truth that success takes time and consistent work

Quote  From The Episode: 

"If I dream it, I can achieve it.

- David Kram

Timestamp:

[01:04] The Truth About Success, Wealth, and Why $500 Million Still Isn’t Enough

[09:42] From Broke in San Francisco to a Mansion in the Hills: The Brutal Plan That Changed Everything

[19:32] From Banking Spreadsheets to Cannabis Hustle: Why Conviction (and a Little Bullshit) Builds Empires

[29:01] Storytelling and Billion-Dollar Deals: The Real Playbook of Entrepreneurs

[35:58] The Valuation Mirage: How Entrepreneurs Fool Themselves (and Their Bankers)

[45:36] The Hidden Skill Every Great Founder Masters (and Why Money Alone Won’t Drive Your Team)

[53:53] The One Truth About Success Nobody Wants to Hear: It Takes Time

[1:06:58] Outro

Connect with - David Kram:

LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/davidkram

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

In this episode, we dive deep into the mind of an entrepreneur who built and sold a company for a massive exit and is now reshaping what success actually means.

You’ll hear the raw truth about chasing billion-dollar dreams, why “enough” is never really enough, and how founders can avoid burning themselves out on the startup treadmill. From the birth of seed-strapping to the culture clash between obsession and balance, this conversation uncovers the unfiltered realities behind building companies that last.

We also explore powerful lessons on timing exits, staying in the game when the odds are stacked against you, and redefining fulfillment beyond external validation. 

Tune in to discover why staying in the game might just be the ultimate founder advantage.

Key Topics:

-Redefining success and knowing when enough is enough

-The rise of seed strapping and capital efficient growth

-Obsession as both a strength and a dangerous fuel

-The importance of timing and resilience in the founder journey

-Balancing identity, fulfillment, and the realities of entrepreneurship

Quote  From The Episode: 

"You just have to ask yourself, when is enough enough?"

- Josh Payne

Timestamp:

[02:16]: When Is Enough… Enough? The Hidden Game Behind Startup Success

[11:10] AI, Obsession, and the Culture Clash Every Founder Faces

[20:19] The Dark Fuel Driving Founders—and Why It Burns Out Fast

[30:46] From Obsession to Ownership: The Real Rules of Delegation and Focus

[40:05] The 10-Year Grind, the Exit Gamble, and Why Timing Is Everything

[51:19] Stay in the Game: The Founder’s Real Secret to Winning

[1:05:36] Outro

Connect with - Josh Payne:

LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/jnpayne

Websites: medium.com/@jnpayne

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

In part 2 of this sharp conversation, Adam Spector reconnects with Ari Meisel to explore the mindset shift founders avoid the most—becoming truly replaceable. This is not about doing less for the sake of it. It is about building something that can grow without breaking you.

Ari shares the patterns he sees behind broken delegation, co-founder tension, and why most systems fail quietly. He explains why experts often make the worst teachers, how process is the missing piece in most startups, and why founders must stop solving every problem themselves.

This is not a how-to guide. It is a mirror for any founder who feels needed, burned out, or unsure what letting go should actually look like.

Tune in to rethink what leadership means when you are no longer the bottleneck.

Key Topics:

-Why delegation is the true test of leadership

-How broken processes quietly limit company growth

-The danger of skipping optimization before automation

-What co-founder misalignment teaches about vision and roles

-Building a business that does not rely on the founder

Quote  From The Episode: 

"I don’t want people to work an hour a day… I want them to be able to work an hour a day.”

- Ari Meisel

Timestamp:

[00:29] Why Great Founders Make Themselves Replaceable

[08:36] Fix Your Broken Systems: Why Process Is the Silent Killer of Scaling Startups

[17:32] Automate the Right Way: Processes, Co-Founder Breakups, and the Real Cost of Scaling

[24:38] Delegation Is True Leadership: Why Founders Fail to Let Go (and How to Fix It)

[32:58] Don’t Hire for Loyalty—Build for Scalability: Process-First Companies

[39:34] Outro

Connect with - Ari Meisel:

LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/productivity-coach-entrepreneur

Websites:

lessdoing.com (Business Productivity Coach)

medium.com/@arimeisel (Entrepreneur Productivity Blog)

itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ari-meisel-less-doing/id605938952?mt=2 (The Less Doing Podcast )

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

In this episode, We sit down with Ari Meisel, author, productivity expert, and founder of Less Doing — to talk about what truly defines entrepreneurial excellence. Ari shares hard-earned lessons on why most founders fail to scale, not because of bad ideas, but because they refuse to let go.

We talk about building processes that don’t break, why overtraining is a sign of broken systems, and the surprising cost of being “the only one who knows how things work.” From optimizing your day to outsourcing tasks at home, Ari breaks down his signature framework — Optimize, Automate, Outsource — and explains why becoming replaceable is the key to long-term growth.

If you’ve ever felt stuck working in your business instead of on it, this episode will change how you lead, delegate, and grow.

Key Topics:

-Why delegation isn’t about trust — it’s about clarity

-How to stop micromanaging without dropping the ball

-The mindset shift every founder needs to scale beyond $1M

-Why great processes matter more than great people

-How to build a team that moves fast — even while you sleep

Quote  From The Episode: 

"My job is to protect the entrepreneur’s team from the entrepreneur’s mind"

- Ari Meisel

Timestamp:

[00:14]: Replace Yourself to Scale: Ari Meisel on Why Founders Must Let Go to Grow

[08:36] Why Founders Fail at Delegation: Mastering Systems

[16:05] Stop Doing It All: Build Processes That Run Without You at Work and Home

[26:06] The Real Reason Your Team Drops the Ball: Ari Meisel on Delegation, Trust, and Speed

[35:02] Don’t Hire for Loyalty—Build for Scalability: Process-First Companies

[42:50] Replace Yourself or Stay Stuck: Ari Meisel’s Ultimate Framework for Entrepreneurial Freedom

[53:32] Outro

Connect with - Ari Meisel:

LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/productivity-coach-entrepreneur

Websites:

lessdoing.com (Business Productivity Coach)

medium.com/@arimeisel (Entrepreneur Productivity Blog)

itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ari-meisel-less-doing/id605938952?mt=2 (The Less Doing Podcast )

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

But beneath the wins: therapy, depression, burnout, betrayal, and survival.

Tune in to hear how Sharmin Ali made risk her superpower, and what she’s building next.

Key Topics:

-Betting everything on vision—with no backup plan

-Outsmarting gatekeepers and closing million-dollar deals

-Creating content in 10 Indian languages before it was cool

-Selling at the right time before burnout wins

-And learning how to breathe again after everything crashes

Quote  From The Episode: 

"Confidence is everything. It trumps every other skill as an entrepreneur."

- Sharmin Ali

Timestamp:

[04:22]: She Turned Down Google on Day One. What Happened Next Will Blow Your Mind.

[11:49] She Closed a $1M Deal by Saying Nothing. Here’s How Listening Changed Everything.

[21:39] How $500 Interns and Free Booze Built a $300M Startup

[32:19] No Plan B. No Backup. Just Ruthless Belief and a Billion-Dollar Bet.

[43:02] The Shameless Strategy That Landed Her Millions and a Viral Media Empire

[54:37] The Ruthless Hiring Strategy Behind a Media Startup’s Viral Success

[1:01:59] How a Brutal Founder Sold Her Media Company and Launched an AI Startup with 70M Data Points

[1:22:45] The Brutally Honest Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything

[1:39:19] Outro

Connect with - Sharmin Ali:

LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/sharmin-ali

Websites:sharminali.com

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Dave also reveals the one question every founder should ask: What are you really building toward?

If you're a founder, leader, or builder — this episode will challenge how you think about growth, leadership, and legacy.

Key Topics:

-Building systems that scale with delegation and trust

-Leading independent contractors with high-level leadership skills

-Respecting sales without needing to love it

-Creating value by solving overlooked problems in dying industries

-Redefining success through purpose and eternal impact

Quote  From The Episode: 

"Leading independent contractors is the highest form of leadership skill."

- Dave Durand

Timestamp:

[00:23]: The 9-to-5 Safety Net Is a Lie: Why Risk Is the Real Career Security

[10:00] Why Great Entrepreneurs Obsess Over the Details—Then Let Go

[22:51] Why the Best CEOs Don’t Micromanage—And Still Win Big

[30:43]Why the Best Founders Build Culture, Not Control — And Scale Without Burning Out

[43:00] How Top CEOs Lead Without Micromanaging and Build Cultures That Actually Scale

[54:28] How to Build a High-Performing Company That Practically Runs Without You

[1:06:12] The CEO Blueprint: Culture, Delegation, and Building a Business That Runs Without You

[1:18:44] From Burnout to Billion-Dollar Breakthrough: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Scaling with Virtue, Vision, and Grit

[1:29:59] Build It Right or Burn Out: How to Scale, Let Go, and Lead With Eternal Purpose

[1:46:46] Outro

Connect with - Dave Durand:

LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/davevdurand

Websites: bestversionmedia.com (Best Version Media)

facebook.com/durandleadershipgroup (Facebook)

davedurand.com (Durand Leadership Group)

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

From building startups that raised millions, to facing identity loss, health scares, and hard personal choices, Andrew shares what it really means to let go of success as your identity and build a life with meaning. He talks openly about the cost of tying your self-worth to a job title, what true leadership looks like, and how journaling, mindset work, and values helped him rewire everything—from his business to his brain.

You’ll hear why most people get stuck chasing the wrong dream, how to build teams rooted in shared values, and why letting go doesn’t mean giving up—it means growing up.

Tune in if you're ready to rethink what success actually looks like—and why time, not money, might be your most important asset.

Key Topics:

-Letting go of your identity as a founder

-Redefining success and personal values

-Balancing mindset tools with emotional honesty

-Learning from failure and bad timing

-Building culture through aligned values and leadership choices

Quote  From The Episode: 

"You need to figure out what success means to you."

- Andrew McConnell

Timestamp:

[01:20]: The Dangerous Trap of Conviction: Why Most Entrepreneurs Miss the Real Signal

[11:11] Why Clinging to the Wrong Dream Could Cost You Everything

[21:33] The Founder’s Ultimate Test: Letting Go, Leveling Up, and Living Without Regret

[31:35] The Founder’s Survival Code: Rethink Success, Reclaim Your Mind, and Let Go Before It’s Too Late

[42:04] From Burnout to Breakthrough: The Mindset Shift Every Founder Needs Before It's Too Late

[55:36] Build Boldly, Let Go Fast: The Mindset Shift That Saved My Career (and Life)

[1:03:44] When Your Startup Fails—and You Don’t: Redefining Success, Identity, and What Really Matters

[1:20:24] Outro

Connect with - Andrew McConnell:

LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/mandrewmcconnell

Websites:mandrewmcconnell.com/

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

What if everything you thought was “safe” — your job, your path, your partnerships, was actually holding you back? In this powerful episode, Scott D. Clary opens up about what it really takes to become future-proof in a world where AI is replacing jobs, comfort is killing progress, and success means learning to constantly disrupt yourself.

From shutting down VC deals and broken partnerships to leading with radical candor, Scott shares bold insights on how to build relationships with people who move mountains, make decisions that protect your peace, and why sticking with the wrong thing might be worse than quitting.

Tune in to learn how to unlearn outdated paths, pick the right partners, and fly closer to the sun — without getting burned.

Key Topics:

-Why playing it safe is the biggest risk in today’s world

-The real reason AI is eliminating traditional jobs

-How obsession and identity can destroy entrepreneurs

-What it means to disrupt yourself before someone else does

-The mindset shift from employee to intrapreneur

Quote From The Episode: 

"You have one shot at this life. Go do the thing. Even if it doesn’t work out, you're not gonna get burnt"

- Scott Clary

Timestamp:

[01:53]: The 9-to-5 Safety Net Is a Lie: Why Risk Is the Real Career Security

[13:34] Kill the Noise: Why Chasing Alignment Beats Playing It Safe

[23:40] If You Died Tonight, Would You Still Choose This Life Tomorrow?

[31:18] Stop Moving the Goalpost: Define Success Before It Defines You

[44:13] Entrepreneurial Excellence Is Not a Number — It’s the Life You Design

[52:38] Entrepreneurial Excellence Is Trusting Yourself to Build the Life You Actually Want

[1:07:48] The Hidden Weight of Winning: When Success Isn’t Enough

[1:17:49] When Obsession Becomes Identity: The Hidden Cost of Building Big

[1:27:56] You Won’t Get Burned: Why the Only Risk Is Standing Still

[1:45:29] Outro

Connect with - Scott Clary:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/scottdclary

Websites: stan.store/scottdclary

scottdclary.com

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

In this episode, we dive into the mind of a founder who built 15 companies, reads over 1,000 article headlines a day, and believes AI, clean food, and remote teams will shape the future of business. From freeze-dried strawberries to why unhappy employees kill culture, this conversation is raw, real, and wildly insightful.

We explore why fast learners beat seasoned pros, how junior hires can build world-class products, and what makes a team truly unstoppable in the age of automation and AI agents. You’ll also hear his bold take on corporate life, remote work, and why your workday probably only has 4 real hours of productivity.

Tune in to learn how founders can think bigger, ship faster, and stay true to what really matters. Curiosity, culture, and creating something that truly helps others.

Key Topics:

-The power of curiosity and rapid learning

-Remote-first teams and global talent

-Managing AI agents as future teammates

-Building culture with junior high performers

-Reinventing food as real medicine through tech

Quote From The Episode: 

"I believe our faith plan things bigger than we can dream of"

- Sahin Boydas

Timestamp:

[02:51]: Why True Entrepreneurs Don’t Chase Ego—They Build for Millions

[12:35] The Jobs AI Can’t Replace and the One Skill Future Entrepreneurs Must Master

[20:59] Why the Best Founders Bet on Obsession, Not Market Size

[30:00] Why Feeding Your Curiosity Might Be the Greatest Startup Strategy Ever

[41:50] How One Founder’s Obsession with Clean Food, Daily Rituals, and AI Is Reinventing Health from the Soil Up

[51:15] Why Fast Learners, Smiley Teams, and MVPs Win: The Startup Culture No One Talks About

[1:01:14] Why Remote Teams, Smiling Cultures, and AI Agents Will Crush the Old Way of Working

[1:09:53] You’re Not in Control—And That Might Be the Founder’s Superpower

[1:23:52] Outro

Connect with - Sahin Boydas:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/sahinboydas

Websites: instagram.com/sahin

twitter.com/sahin

sahin.press

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Erik dives into the three core pillars of all great marketing and unpacks why trust is the piece most companies fail to build. He talks about the realities of ambition, burnout, and how founders accidentally trap themselves in businesses they no longer want to run. 

This episode is a must-listen if you want real insights from someone who’s actually in the arena.

Key Topics:

-Building a company you actually want to run

-The three pillars of great marketing

-Turning knowledge into a bestselling book

-The power of work-life integration

-Why high locus of control defines entrepreneurial success

Quote  From The Episode: 

"Work like most won’t so you can live like most can."

- Erik Huberman

Timestamp:

[01:20]: From Beanie Babies to Billion-Dollar Ambition: The Truth About Building a Real Empire

[11:26] Why Playing It Safe Will Keep You Broke: The Brutal Truth About Ambition, Risk, and Building a Real Legacy

[21:16] Build Fast, Hire Hard, and Tell the Brutal Truth: Inside the Culture of Hawk Media

[30:33] Brutal Truths, Real Leadership: How Eric Huberman Builds Culture That Wins

[41:26] No Plan B: Eric Huberman on Focus, Culture, and Playing the Long Game in Business

[53:22] Ambition Over Everything: Eric Huberman on Sales, Grit, and Winning in the AI Age

[1:05:13] What It Takes to Be an Excellent Entrepreneur Today

[1:25:36] Outro

Connect with - Erik Huberman:

LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/erikhuberman

Websites: hawkemedia.com

erikhuberman.com

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

We go deep into how AI is transforming law, why resilience matters more than ever, and what founders get wrong about success. If you’ve ever wondered whether greatness requires being tough or vulnerable, this conversation is for you.

Tune in to hear why the future of legal work won’t replace you with AI but it might, if you don’t evolve.

Key Topics:

-Building high standards without burning out your team

-Why AI-powered lawyers will lead the future

-Letting go of outdated success metrics

-Hiring people you'd actually work for

-Delegating to people and AI with intention

Quote  From The Episode: 

"It’s not always perfect progress, but good things are happening, and you get to learn every day."

- Cecilia Ziniti

Timestamp:

[01:32]: From Law to Alexa: How a Tech Lawyer Helped Shape the Future of AI

[10:47] Why Manifesting Isn’t Magic, It’s Momentum.

[20:14] You Can’t Return the Baby: The Raw Reality of Startup Resilience

[31:10] Same Chaos, New Growth: Parenting, Founding, and the Power of Feedback

[40:12] Do You Need to Be Tough or Tender to Build a Billion-Dollar Company?

[52:29] From Courtroom to Code: Why Smart Lawyers Are Embracing the AI Era

[1:01:09] Is This As Good As It Can Be? The Relentless Standard Behind Entrepreneurial Excellence

[1:14:26] Outro

Connect with - Cecilia Ziniti:

LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/ceciliaziniti

Websites: getgc.ai

      ceciliaziniti.com

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Connor Tomkies shares honest lessons on delegation, hiring, culture, EOS, and the mental shifts founders must make to avoid burnout and build smarter.

We talk about why fundraising isn't always the answer, how to spot the wave you should ride, and what it means to lead with systems—not stress. You’ll hear how small habits, like aiming to be just 1% better, can change the entire game.

This episode is packed with stories, strategies, and mindset shifts every entrepreneur needs to hear!

Key Topics:

-Building systems that scale

-Hiring people who’ve done the work

-Culture that keeps people around

-Choosing to bootstrap over fundraising

-Growing through 1% daily improvements

Quote From The Episode: 

"Focus on getting 1% better — every day, every week, every month, every year."

- Connor Tomkies

Timestamp:

[01:32]: From Dorm Room Hustles to Running 6 Companies: How This Founder Outsmarted Burnout and Scaled Like a Pro

[12:42] What Scaling to 6 Companies Taught Me About Leadership, Burnout, and Remote Teams

[21:19] Why Most Startups Fail at Hiring—and What to Do Instead

[31:37] Why Most Founders Waste Time—and How Systems Thinking Can 10x Your Focus and Scale

[41:05] The Hidden Habits of High-Performing Founders: How to Think, Hire, and Scale Like a Pro

[1:00:33] Founder’s Edge: How to Spot Big Waves, Avoid the Fundraising Trap, and Build Smarter

[1:00:19] What Makes a Founder Great? The Real Lessons No One Teaches You About Building, Scaling, and Living Well

[1:23:56] Outro

Connect with - Connor Tomkies:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/connortomkies

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

What separates the 5% who actually raise capital from the rest who never make it past the pitch? In this episode, we go deep into the truth behind startup success — and it's not just about having a great idea.

We talk about the hidden cost of lazy fundraising, the myth of the perfect pitch, and how obsession, focus, and hustle play a much bigger role than most people admit. You’ll hear raw stories about rejection, team dynamics, culture-building, and the dark side of startup life. We also explore how AI is changing fundraising forever, and why generosity might be the founder's most underrated trait.

Tune in if you want to raise better, lead smarter, and build with clarity in a world full of noise. This one’s for every founder trying to make it — and willing to do the real work.

Key Topics:

• Why most founders fail to raise capital
• The role of hustle and momentum in successful fundraising
• How the best founders build trust and relationships
• What AI is changing in the future of fundraising
• The personal toll and mindset behind founder life

Quote  From The Episode: 

"You’re not trying to convince people — it’s a search for believers."

- Nathan Beckord

Timestamp:

[01:10] Only 5% Raise Startup Capital—What’s the Brutal Truth Behind the Rest?

[12:10] Why Most Founders Flop at Fundraising—And What the Winners Quietly Do Differently

[20:16] Broken Pitch Decks, Lazy Hustlers, and the Cold Reality No One Tells Founders

[31:45] Startup Victory Formula: Is It Hustle, Heart, or Ruthless Focus That Actually Wins?

[41:05] Obsessed vs. Average: The Psychology of Founders Who Actually Raise Capital

[52:00] What It Really Takes to Build Something Big—And Why Most Can’t Handle It

[1:04:00] The Grit Factor: Why Some Founders Build Empires and Others Just Burn Out

[1:11:11] Too Young to Go Big? Why Betting Early Might Be Your Boldest—and Smartest—Move

[1:15:45] Outro

Connect with - Nathan Beckord:

LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/nathanbeckord

Websites - fundingstack.com blog.foundersuite.com youtube.com/@Foundersuite/videos

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

In this episode, Emil Barr shares the bold truth behind entrepreneurship—starting from earning $70K in high school to building multi-million dollar businesses and aiming for a billion-dollar exit. He opens up about the mental and physical cost of going big, the real reasons people don’t chase their dreams, and why most entrepreneurs get stuck thinking too small.

We dive deep into what sets high-impact founders apart: clear superpowers, relentless curiosity, and a willingness to fail fast. Emil breaks down why reading billionaire biographies changed his mindset, how he uses discomfort to grow, and why having big ambition isn’t crazy—it’s necessary.

Tune in to hear how Emil is building companies with 99% margins, finding mentors in unlikely places, and why he believes aiming for massive impact is the best strategy—even if you fall short.

Key Topics:

-Why big goals lead to bigger results

-The power of knowing your strengths and building around them

-How curiosity fuels entrepreneurial growth

-What most people get wrong about mentorship and success

-Why America's system gives entrepreneurs an edge

Quote  From The Episode: 

"Set your sights on a big target, because even if you fail, it could still be a life-changing outcome for you."

- Emil Barr

Timestamp:

[01:09] Why Building Big Is Easier Than You Think

[13:10] The Billion Dollar Vision Starts With Belief Not Just Sales

[21:01] Why Self-Aware Founders Hire for Strengths They Don't Have

[30:46] Why Knowing Your Superpower Is the Ultimate Founder Advantage

[40:49] Why Thinking Different in College Led to Millions Before Graduation

[50:53] Why Most People Don't Become Entrepreneurs Even If They Want To

[1:00:52] How Relentless Curiosity and Big Bets Shape the Most Successful Founders

[1:11:33] Why Going Big Young Might Be the Smartest (and Hardest) Move You’ll Ever Make

[1:21:44] Outro

Connect with - Emil Barr:

LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/emil-barr

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

In this episode, we dive deep with William Milliken, the founder behind a wildly successful dog poop removal business that turned into a movement. But this isn’t just about scooping waste—it’s about building systems, trusting people, letting go of stress, and choosing focus over complexity. William shares how he built a high-margin, low-drama business by staying curious, taking action, and surrounding himself with the right people.

We talk about real numbers, real mindset shifts, and the power of choosing simplicity over chaos. If you've ever felt like you needed to have the "perfect" plan before getting started—this conversation will break that belief wide open.

Tune in to hear how doing the unglamorous work—literally—can lead to freedom, wealth, and a business that runs without you.

Key Topics:

• Taking action matters more than perfect planning
• Build a premium brand even in simple industries
• Focus on LTV and CAC to scale fast
• Delegate early and pay people well
• Simplify to grow with less stress

Quote From The Episode: 

"The number one thing is to actually go out and take action."

- William Milliken

Timestamp:

[02:05] : From Poop Scoops to Profit: How Grit, Marketing, and Reliability Built a $2M Business

[10:37] Why Teaching Others Your Business Can Be the Best Growth Strategy

[20:07] The Real Growth Hack: Obsessing Over One Niche, One Metric, and One Mission

[29:37] Why Fewer Headaches, Higher Pay, and Premium Standards Built a Thriving Service Empire

[41:04] Why Simple Wins: Scaling Smarter by Delegating, Paying More, and Letting Go

[51:04] Why Taking Action Beats Perfection: Lessons in Focus, Delegation, and Entrepreneurial Freedom

[57:00] Outro

Connect with - William Milliken:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/william-milliken

Website - skool.com/poop-scoop-millionaire/about

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@Scoop-Start

Instagram - instagram.com/scoopstart

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

In this eye-opening episode, serial entrepreneur and investor Vadim Rogovskiy takes us deep into the mindset of what truly makes an excellent founder. From his early days building companies in Ukraine to raising millions in VC funding and finally relocating his life to New York, Vadim shares raw, honest insights about sacrifice, success, and the hidden cost of chasing growth.

He talks about the rare power of consistency, why the immigrant mindset gives founders an edge, and how ego and comfort zones can quietly kill progress. You’ll hear how he learned to stop playing the VC game, what he looks for before acquiring a startup, and the simple shift founders can make today to stay in the game long-term.

Tune in to learn how to lead with clarity, scale without burning out, and why knowing when to move on might be the most powerful decision you’ll ever make.

Key Topics:

• Why consistency is more important than talent
• How immigrant founders build resilience through discomfort
• The danger of chasing growth without real product-market fit
• When to pivot, quit, or double down as a founder
• What founders should do before raising or selling their company

Quote  From The Episode: 

"Don’t raise venture capital if you’re not all in"

- Vadim Rogovskiy

Timestamp:

[01:12] : Curiosity, Consistency, and the Immigrant Edge: What Defines an Excellent Entrepreneur?

[11:39] The Immigrant Mindset: Why Comfort Kills Potential and Consistency Builds Legends

[21:02] Leave Comfort, Build Greatness: Why the Boldest Founders Uproot Everything to Succeed

[30:04] From Jumping Too Early to Letting Go Too Late: Hard Lessons in Entrepreneurial Timing

[41:51] Why the Best Founders Know When to Pivot, Shrink, or Let Go — And Still Win

[47:51] Outro

Connect with - Vadim Rogovskiy:

LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/vadim-rogovskiy

Website - 3dlook.me

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

In this gripping episode, we sit down with Yotam Rosenbaum, Founding Partner at First Peak Ventures and YC alum, to uncover what it actually takes to go from struggling musician to scaling a startup with over 15,000 artists—and then becoming a top-tier investor backing the next generation of world-changing founders.

Yotam shares the wild origin story of Earbits, born on a traffic-jammed highway, and how the obsession with solving a real problem—not chasing startup fame—pushed him into the world of tech. 

Tune in to hear why excellence isn’t a destination. It’s a mindset. And why the best founders never stop building, learning, or sacrificing in pursuit of something greater.

Key Topics:

• What it really takes to build a startup from zero
• Why founders need more than just a good idea
• The hidden cost of building a company
• How great founders grow fast
• Why excellence is something you chase, not achieve

Quote  From The Episode: 

"If you want to achieve excellence, you have to accept the fact that you'll never achieve it, because that's the whole point—it's always trying to do better"

- Yotam Rosenbaum

Timestamp:

[01:24] : How One Road Trip Sparked a Startup That Shook the Music Industry

[11:06] How a Funk Band, a Traffic Jam, and a Crazy Idea Turned Into a YC-Backed Music Startup with 15,000 Artists

[21:52] How One Founder Bet on People Over Ideas—and Won Big

[32:53] Why the Best Startups Don’t Start with Ideas—They Start with Aligned Co-Founders

[41:17] The Hidden Reason Most Startups Fail—And What the Best Founders Get Right from Day One

[51:30] What Founders Really Sacrifice to Build Billion-Dollar Companies

[1:01:36] Why the Best Founders Never Feel They've Made It—And What Truly Drives Startup Excellence

[1:21:32] Outro

Connect with - Yotam Rosenbaum:

LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/yotamrosenbaum

Websites - earbits.com

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Henry Shi, Co-Founder and Board Member at Super.com, to explore the mindset, habits, and systems behind building one of the most data-driven and high-impact fintech companies today. 

Henry opens up about his early startup failures, the lessons that shaped him, and how his intentional focus on solving real customer pain points—combined with ruthless prioritization through OKRs—helped grow Super.com to over $150 million in annual revenue. We also unpack what it means to lead in the era of AI, why the new entrepreneurial flex is doing more with fewer people, and how founders can build lean, AI-native companies that scale fast.

Tune in to hear how Henry’s blend of curiosity, operational discipline, and long-term compounding mindset is shaping the future of entrepreneurship—and why now is the best time to build something great!

Key Topics:

• From Failure to Breakthrough
• The Power of OKRs and Ruthless Prioritization
• Building AI-Native, Lean Companies
• Leading with Clarity and Curiosity
• The Compounding Effect of Consistency

Quote  From The Episode: 

"The new flex is to see how much revenue I’m making with so few people."

- Henry Shi

Timestamp:

[01:40] How a Failed Dating App Led to a $150M Super App

[10:33] The $150M Breakthrough

[20:13] From Crisis to Comeback — How Super.com Reinvented Itself After Losing 80% Revenue

[30:20] The Secret System Behind Super.com’s Growth

[41:14] How AI Is Creating $100M Startups With Just a Few People

[50:34] AI and Ruthless Focus Power Modern Startups

[1:00:05] Why Compounding, Not Hustle, Builds the Most Successful Founders

[1:10:19] Outro

Connect with - Henry Shi:

LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/henrythe9th|

Websites: x.com/henrythe9ths/

leanaileaderboard.com

henrythe9th.substack.com/

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

In this episode, Adam Spector, CEO of Chore, sits down with Daniel W. Dippold, the founder and CEO of EWOR, to explore how young founders can scale ideas with purpose and precision. From building one of the world’s largest communities for under-25 entrepreneurs to launching a venture fund without LPs, Daniel shares a path that defies conventional startup norms.

They talk about reflection, time management, hiring, performance, and the systems Daniel uses to operate and scale companies with intention. He opens up about what separates average founders from exceptional ones, why most startup cultures miss the mark, and how execution looks different at every stage of growth. 

Tune in to hear why great founders reflect often, hire with clarity, and lead with consistency!

Key Topics:

• Growing a startup with no outside investors
• Building a strong and honest company culture
• Daily reflection habits of top startup founders
• Hiring the right team to scale your business
• Execution skills every successful founder needs

Quote  From The Episode: 

"Find the right cadence between action and reflection."

- Daniel W. Dippold

Timestamp:

[01:40] Building a Billion-Dollar Startup with Emotion AI and No Outside Funding

[11:20] Why Most Entrepreneurs Don’t Learn Fast Enough — and How to Fix It

[21:00] Rethinking Planning: A Smarter Way to Set OKRs That Actually Work

[30:21] Hard Truths for First-Time Founders About Failure and Leadership

[41:30] The Founder’s Guide to Scaling, Smart Hiring, and Managing Advisors

[51:07] How Top Founders Hire A-Players Without Wasting Time

[1:01:34] Building Company Culture That Lasts — From Values to Team Fit

[1:12:03] The Most Overlooked Habit of High-Performing Founders

[1:22:52] Outro

Connect with Daniel W. Dippold:

LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/danieldippold

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

In this episode of the Entrepreneurial Excellence Podcast, we sit down with David Walsh, CEO of Limelight and a three-time founder, to unpack the raw truths of building, failing, pivoting, and succeeding in the startup world. David opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, what drives him, and how he’s redefining excellence through experience, grit, and clarity of vision.

We dive into the mindset of high-performing founders—covering everything from curiosity, generalism, and emotional resilience, to team building, work-life balance, and executive coaching.

If you're a startup founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or business leader looking for practical strategies to grow and lead with excellence, this episode is a must-listen!

Key Topics:

• David Walsh’s entrepreneurial journey from early failures to building Limelight successfully
• Why curiosity, adaptability, and being a generalist drive long-term startup success
• How startup founders can hire top talent, delegate effectively, and build strong teams
• Proven strategies for balancing startup life with personal responsibilities and family
• How mastering sales and storytelling helps founders raise capital and achieve product-market fit

Quote From The Episode: 

"The only thing that matters is getting going, getting started."

- David Walsh

Timestamp:

[01:12] Why Top Founders Don’t Chase Perfection but Master This Instead

[11:31] The Brutal Truth About Co-Founders Obsession and Balance

[22:22] From Fake IDs to Tech Founder

[32:32] What Every Founder Needs to Know About Failure and Success.

[40:17] Hiring Fast Teams and Building Winning Culture

[50:58] Why Storytelling and Sales Are the Two Most Underrated Founder Superpowers

[1:01:21] The Skill Every Founder Must Master Before Scaling to 100 Employees

[1:10:48] The One Thing Every Founder Must Do Before Scaling or Hiring

[1:22:52] Outro

Connect with David Walsh:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/dw1232

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Rishad shares what makes extraordinary entrepreneurs stand out, and why true transformation in any organization begins with people—not processes. From his experience helping reinvent the Publicis Group, he talks about how deep change takes time, intention, and emotional alignment. 

As the conversation moves into the future of work, Rishad challenges outdated leadership mindsets and highlights the need for flexible, data-informed, and human-centered strategies, especially in remote and AI-enabled environments.

It’s a conversation that will challenge how you think about leadership and leave you rethinking what excellence really means!

Key Topics:

-What makes great entrepreneurs different

-Why real change starts with people

-How to lead in a fast-changing work world

-The future of work and remote teams

-Daily habits that help leaders stay ready

Quote From The Episode: 

"Change sucks. It's really difficult. But the choice is not whether it's good or not; it's that you either do change that sucks, or you become irrelevant."

- Rishad Tobaccowala

Timestamp:

[01:50] Rishad kicks things off with Adam by diving into the core traits that set extraordinary entrepreneurs apart.

[11:31] In a powerful moment, Rishad reflects on how real transformation within organizations doesn’t just come from strategy.

[21:15] Adam invites Rishad to unpack the long and thoughtful journey behind Publicis Group’s reinvention. 

[30:41] When the conversation turns to the future, Rishad makes it clear: transformation is never one-and-done. 

[40:34] Rishad challenges some traditional leadership beliefs, pointing out to Adam that flexible, personalized, and data-driven approaches to remote work aren’t just nice-to-haves.

[50:43] In one of the more candid parts of the conversation, Rishad calls out how fear and a desire for control are holding companies back. 

[1:00:25] Rishad paints a vivid picture of what the future of work might look like. Comparing it to the music industry: fractured, fluid, and incredibly personal. 

[1:10:48] Building on that idea, Rishad lays out a bold vision for what’s ahead. 

[1:20:27] As they wrap up, Rishad leaves Adam—and all of us—with a powerful reminder: the leaders of the future will master storytelling, engage in daily self-inquiry, commit to constant learning, and take bold, creative action.

[1:27:35] Outro

Connect with Rishad Tobaccowala:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/rishadtobaccowala

Websites - rishad.substack.com (Blog)

    rishadtobaccowala.com (Personal)

    thetobaccowalafoundation.org (Other)

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

We talked about what really drives long-term success, not flashy ideas, but solving real problems with the right people and timing. Wilson shared how he spots committed co-founders, builds trust fast, and keeps momentum when everything feels uncertain. But what stood out most was his story—the kind of story that reminds you how much growth can come from pain.

If you’ve ever questioned your path or felt like giving up, this one’s for you. Wilson doesn’t just talk about excellence, he lived every inch of it.

Key Topics:

• Why solving real problems matters more than big ideas
• The mindset needed to find and build with the right people
• How clarity and momentum drive early-stage success
• What hitting rock bottom can teach you about resilience
• How full ownership can change the course of your life

Quote  From The Episode: 

"There's only one reality, and that's being in reality."

- Wilson Kriegel

Timestamp:

[02:35] Wilson started breaking down what entrepreneurial mastery really looks like. He said it’s not about coming up with the most original ideas.

[13:35] Then, Wilson shared how he chooses his co-founders. He looks for people who are deeply passionate and already showing they’re willing to make real sacrifices. 

[22:01] Later, Wilson talked about how he takes early-stage, passion-driven startups and turns them into serious businesses.

[31:28] Around this time, Wilson opened up about how he learned to perform under extreme pressure. He said it all comes from embracing chaos instead of avoiding it. 

[41:13] Here, Wilson explained his approach to coaching. It’s not just about business strategies. It’s about helping founders shift emotional patterns into useful action.

[50:19] Then he got personal. Wilson talked about growing up with emotional instability and working tough jobs from a young age. That struggle built the foundation of his mindset—where every setback became fuel.

[1:02:48] At this moment, things took a turn. Wilson recounted how he had rebuilt himself—physically, mentally, emotionally—and reached a high level of success. But then, he lost everything and ended up homeless. That became a pivotal test of his inner strength.

[1:12:05] After the Enron collapse, he had nothing left. He applied to thousands of jobs and kept getting rejected. But instead of giving up, he chose humility. He started over behind a retail counter and kept moving forward, proving that resilience can be stronger than any circumstance.

[1:21:19] And then came one of the most intense moments—Wilson described sleeping in a dog closet with just $10 to his name. No one was coming to save him. That’s when he decided to take total ownership of his life. 

[1:30:43] From that rock-bottom moment, Wilson went on to build billion-dollar companies. He talked about how that entire journey was fueled by his ability to embrace the process, take full ownership, and never let go of resilience.

[1:41:23] Finally, Wilson wrapped it all up by reflecting on what’s gotten him through it all: courage, presence, prioritization, and deep accountability. These values helped him go from being homeless to coaching founders and building billion-dollar businesses—while also being the kind of dad he wants to be.

[1:57:05] Outro

Connect with Wilson Kriegel:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wilsondk

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Andrew explains how he and his co-founder transitioned from e-commerce to real estate, scaling a self-storage empire with a tech-driven approach. He discusses the importance of maintaining control, raising capital from the right investors, and building a company culture rooted in trust and transparency. 

This conversation is a deep dive into entrepreneurship, ethics, and long-term thinking. Andrew’s story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t about where you start—it’s about how you adapt, lead, and stay true to your values.

Key Topics:

• How Andrew Freeman started in business and his early hustles
• Facing legal trouble and learning from his time in prison
• Growing an e-commerce business and moving into real estate
• Using technology to improve the self-storage industry
• Building a strong company culture and making ethical choices

Quote  From The Episode: 

"Everything I’ve gone through, I believe, has happened for a reason, and it’s the best thing that’s happened to me."

- Andrew Freeman

Timestamp:

[01:50] Andrew Freeman and his co-founder turned their e-commerce success into a launchpad for self-storage investing, modernizing the industry with a tech-driven, automated approach.

[10:27] From early hustle to running a thriving business, Andrew shared his turning point—facing a federal indictment for synthetic drug sales.

[20:20] He reflected on his two-year legal battle and the life-altering decision to accept a plea deal to avoid a harsher sentence.

[30:04] Prison tested his resilience, shaping his commitment to transparency, ethical leadership, and integrity in business.

[40:05] Returning home with no degree and a felony record, Andrew rebuilt from scratch—scaling an e-commerce business, reinvesting in self-storage, and prioritizing long-term wealth over quick wins.

[51:22] Spotting opportunity in the fragmented self-storage market, Andrew and his co-founder used e-commerce profits to acquire underutilized facilities, pioneering a contactless management model.

[1:02:18] Their first facility was struggling, but with discipline and a market-specific strategy, they turned it into a thriving business.

[1:12:39] Opting for control over private equity, they raised funds from friends and family to scale while preserving their vision.

[1:21:21] Reflecting on his journey—from incarceration to entrepreneurship—Andrew shared his biggest lessons: patience, resilience, and turning setbacks into strengths.

[1:34:48] Outro

Connect with Andrew Freeman:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/andrew-freeman1

Website - kostorage.com/

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

From defining what makes a great entrepreneur to navigating challenges, Brian talks about the mindset needed to push through tough moments. He shares how he built his business, the strategies behind growing a strong team, and why customer service is at the heart of everything he does. 

Beyond business, Brian reflects on what happens when a founder decides to step away. He talks about the transition after selling a company, maintaining passion, and figuring out what’s next. 

Tune in for an honest and inspiring look into the journey of The MacMan!

Key Topics:

• How Brian Burke started his business and built it from the ground up
• The mindset and grit needed to push through business challenges
• Growing a strong team and providing great customer service
• Raising money, hiring the right people, and scaling the business
• What happens after selling a business and planning for the future

Quote  From The Episode: 

"Follow your inner voice, focus on what you're passionate about, do something you truly love, and go deep."

- Brian Burke

Timestamp:

[01:04] Brian Burke’s journey is a testament to the power of grit. He shared how pushing through obstacles—whether it was navigating high-stakes deals or dealing with unexpected betrayals—required not just perseverance but also a strong support system and strategic problem-solving.

[10:32] From flipping products as a kid to building a multi-million dollar business, Brian’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on. He spoke about how his passion for Apple products, combined with persistence and strategic thinking, helped him carve out a niche in the industry.

[20:13] Scaling a business takes more than just a great idea—it requires smart execution. Brian broke down how he leveraged SEO, streamlined operations, and built a high-performing team to drive sustainable growth.

[31:11] A thriving company culture doesn’t happen by accident. Brian shared how he fostered a workplace where employees stayed for a decade or more by prioritizing flexibility, autonomy, and a sense of shared purpose.

[41:19] Looking back, Brian reflected on the tough choices that come with scaling a business. He discussed the impact of hiring top-tier talent early on and how securing outside funding could have accelerated growth—but also the trade-offs involved in those decisions.

[50:17] Growth doesn’t just happen—it’s built strategically. Brian revealed how SEO became his number one driver, how AI-powered content helped dominate search rankings, and how LinkedIn turned into a goldmine for B2B deals.

[1:00:24] Selling a business isn’t just about financial gain—it’s about timing, legacy, and personal priorities. Brian opened up about why he chose to sell, how it allowed him to balance work and family, and what the transition meant for his identity as a founder.

[1:10:56] At the core of Brian’s journey is an unwavering passion for entrepreneurship. He shared how his ability to adapt, his relentless drive, and his deep commitment to his work fueled his success—and how he’s applying those same principles to his next chapter.

[1:21:36] Outro

Connect with Brian Burke:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/brianthemacman

Website - sellyourmac.com

macsales.com

brianthemacman.com

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

From starting a business with just $12 to selling it for millions, Sam opens up about the mindset, decisions, and challenges that shaped his journey.

We get into the differences between San Francisco, Texas, and New York as startup hubs, what truly defines entrepreneurial excellence, and why entrepreneurship plays such a powerful role in shaping the world.

If you're an entrepreneur—or just someone who loves a good business story—this episode is packed with real talk, valuable insights, and straight-up wisdom from someone who's lived it.

Key Topics:

• How Sam Parr built and sold The Hustle
• The best places for startups San Francisco, Texas, or New York
• Why copywriting is a key skill for entrepreneurs
• The power of hiring, delegating, and building a strong team
• Finding balance and supporting other entrepreneurs

Quote From The Episode: 

"Entrepreneurship is the most straightforward way to turn visions into reality."

- Sam Parr

Timestamp:

[01:26] Sam Parr shared how entrepreneurship became his way of turning ideas into reality, emphasizing speed, resilience, and embracing failure as part of the journey.

[10:59] He discussed using negative visualization to build gratitude and mental toughness, along with his approach to hiring—giving young talent real responsibility early to help them grow.

[21:18] For Sam, writing is a superpower. He explained how clear, persuasive writing shapes businesses, how he evaluates hires through their writing, and why mastering copywriting is crucial.

[30:08] Writing influences leadership and partnerships. Sam highlighted the need for aligned values in business relationships and shared his evolving views on remote vs. in-person work.

[40:37] Prioritizing deep relationships over networking, Sam integrates work and family by traveling with his wife and daughter. He also reflected on the trade-offs of success and knowing what you’re willing to sacrifice.

[55:49] Outro

Connect with Sam Parr:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/parrsam

Website - samparr.com

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Nabin unpacks the challenges of transitioning to B2B sales, leveraging AI for efficiency, and solving key problems in the payroll space. He also emphasizes the importance of company culture, accountability, and long-term vision, highlighting how entrepreneurs can balance personal and professional responsibilities while staying focused on value creation.

If you’re looking for insights on scaling a company, overcoming industry challenges, and maintaining a strong entrepreneurial mindset, this conversation is for you. Tune in to hear Nabin’s story and the lessons he’s learned along the way!

Key Topics:

• How Nabin Banskota's early life in Nepal shaped his journey
• Lessons from working on Wall Street and facing the financial crisis
• Building Nepal Tea Collective and transitioning to B2B sales
• Challenges and innovations in global payroll and payments
• Balancing business growth, family, and long-term success

Quote From The Episode: 

"I always wanted to build something, do something, a little bit more entrepreneurial."

- Nabin Banskota

Timestamp:

[01:19] Nabin Banskota shared their journey of moving to the U.S. with an entrepreneurial dream, overcoming immigration challenges, and using their finance expertise to build multiple businesses.

[10:46] They reflected on adapting to a new culture and rising in the finance industry before co-founding a tea company that uplifted livelihoods in Nepal and promoted sustainability.

[20:17] Nabin discussed differentiating their tea brand through quality and ethics before launching a fintech startup that used AI to automate banking fee negotiations.

[30:29] They shared how their fintech startup scaled rapidly using AI, leading to its acquisition by Acorns, a move that aligned strategically despite independent growth potential.

[40:38] Entering B2B sales, Nabin learned to navigate long deal cycles and complex negotiations.

[50:49] Identifying a gap in payroll and payments, they secured funding and built a scalable, infrastructure-first platform with a global team.

[1:02:00] Nabin shared how they drove early sales, formed key partnerships, and expanded a global team while overcoming hiring challenges.

[1:11:11] Reflecting on their journey, they emphasized problem-solving, consistency, leadership, and maintaining company culture to avoid burnout while scaling sustainably.

[1:21:35] Outro

Connect with Nabin Banskota:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/nabinbanskota

Website - niural.com

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

David takes us behind the scenes of his own journey—sharing how real growth comes from experience, recognizing patterns, and learning to see failure as a stepping stone rather than a setback. He talks about the courage it takes to venture into “trackless pursuits,” where there’s no set career path, only the one you create

Success in entrepreneurship isn’t about playing it safe—it’s about making bold choices, managing your time wisely, and focusing on what truly moves the needle. If you're ready to rethink how you approach problem-solving and leadership, this conversation is for you!

Key Topics:

• The difference between academic and business skills
• Why selecting the right problem leads to success
• How pattern recognition helps in making better decisions
• The importance of navigating uncertainty and creating your own path
• Effective time management and decision-making strategies

Quote  From The Episode: 

"As an entrepreneur, you're essentially in a higher-risk category all the time."

- David Karandish

Timestamp:

[01:47] David breaks down the key difference between entrepreneurial and academic excellence—while school teaches you to solve predefined problems with clear answers, entrepreneurship is all about figuring out which problems are worth solving in an unpredictable world.

[10:18] Drawing from his own journey, David highlights how real entrepreneurial success comes from experience, recognizing patterns, and embracing failure as a stepping stone to growth.

[21:34] David shares why entrepreneurs need to be comfortable navigating "trackless pursuits," creating their own path instead of following traditional career structures.

[30:35] Inside his companies, David fosters a culture of quick decision-making, sharp problem selection, and adaptability by laying out clear decision-making frameworks for his team.

[40:35] David reinforces that thriving as an entrepreneur means mastering the art of choosing the right problems, making bold decisions, and managing time effectively.

[50:38]  Outro

Connect with David Karandish:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/davidkarandish

Website - aisoftware.com

david.ai

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Jason breaks down the mindset of exceptional entrepreneurs, emphasizing the power of perseverance, clear vision, and the ability to inspire others. He explores how top investors identify resilience in founders and why adaptability is crucial in today’s fast-changing landscape. Drawing from his time at Brex, Andreessen Horowitz, and SVB, he discusses the role of leadership, culture, and mission alignment in scaling a business.

If you're an entrepreneur, investor, or business leader looking to gain an edge, this conversation is packed with actionable wisdom you won’t want to miss!

Key Topics:

• Introduction and career journey of Jason Mok
• Key traits of successful entrepreneurs
• Leadership and company culture in startups
• Networking and building strong relationships
• Work-life balance and time management

Quote  From The Episode: 

"Timing, skill, and luck are like the three ingredients that really can help propel things forward."

- Jason Mok

Timestamp:

[00:15] Jason Mock shared that true entrepreneurial excellence isn’t just about having a big vision—it’s about bringing people along for the journey and staying resilient through every obstacle.

[12:47] He emphasized that a strong company culture isn’t built overnight; it’s reinforced through constant communication of core values, integrated into daily decisions, and reflected in how companies hire and develop their teams.

[19:59] According to Jason, retaining top talent goes beyond compensation—it’s about making sure people feel deeply connected to the company’s mission, reinforcing values consistently, and having leadership that takes accountability while staying committed to long-term goals.

[29:55] Reflecting on success in business, Jason pointed out that it’s often a mix of skill, timing, and luck. While founders and leaders can shape their own trajectory, external factors always play a role in determining how things unfold.

[41:03] Jason attributed his own career growth to his passion for making an impact, building authentic relationships, and staying actively engaged in the ever-evolving innovation ecosystem.

[51:19] He drew a parallel between career success and building a great company—both require self-awareness, adaptability, and meaningful connections, combined with a long-term mindset and unwavering resilience.

[1:00:35] Wrapping up, Jason stressed the importance of knowing and embracing your strengths, being honest about areas for growth, and surrounding yourself with people who compliment your skills.

[1:09:53]  Outro

Connect with Jason Mok:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/jasonmok

Website - brex.com/solutions/startups

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

We dive into the evolution of ThirdLove’s culture, from its scrappy beginnings to becoming a larger, more structured organization, and discuss the critical lessons Heidi learned about hiring, leadership, and scaling. She also reflects on how her definition of success has shifted over the years—from proving skeptics wrong to making a meaningful impact on her customers’ lives.

Tune in to hear Heidi’s candid thoughts on balancing work and life as an entrepreneur, how she approaches gratitude, and her advice for anyone looking to build a lasting legacy in business.

Key Topics:

• Understanding the key traits of successful entrepreneurs
• Tackling early challenges and turning setbacks into opportunities
• Creating a strong, adaptable, and values-driven company culture
• Gaining insights from hiring, leadership, and scaling a business
• Redefining success and embracing gratitude in the entrepreneurial journey

Quote From The Episode: 

"You have to love what you do, and you have to think about it as almost like a lifetime, to some extent."

- Heidi Zak

Timestamp:

[00:15] Heidi shared her personal definition of entrepreneurial excellence, highlighting the importance of resilience, humility, and an unwavering passion for the work. 

[10:53] Heidi opened up about the early struggles of launching ThirdLove, particularly the uphill battle of securing manufacturing partnerships without an established brand.

[21:53] Heidi spoke about the power of storytelling in entrepreneurship—how persistence, conviction, and the ability to sell a vision were essential to convincing investors, partners, and manufacturers to believe in ThirdLove, even when the odds were stacked against them.

[32:06] Reflecting on ThirdLove’s journey, Heidi described how the company’s culture has evolved over time. 

[40:51] When it comes to hiring, Heidi underscored the importance of trusting your instincts, conducting in-depth reference checks, and surrounding yourself with scrappy, adaptable talent. 

[50:45] As ThirdLove grew, so did Heidi’s approach to leadership. She stressed the value of continually reassessing team dynamics, embracing adaptability, and ensuring that every new hire wasn’t just skilled, but a cultural fit who could thrive in a fast-moving environment.

[1:01:55] Heidi reflected on how her idea of success has shifted over the years—from proving doubters wrong to making a real impact on customers' lives.

[1:16:59] Outro

Connect with Heidi Zak:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/heidizak

Website - intro.co/heidizak

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

She opens up about the realities of the startup journey, the importance of timing in the market, and the persistence required to turn an idea into a thriving business. Tara also discusses the misconceptions around overnight success and the lessons she learned while raising funding and scaling Rupa.

She also dives into the challenges of prioritization, delegation, and building a culture that integrates work and life seamlessly. 

Tara defines entrepreneurial excellence as a commitment to constant growth, staying connected to a strong ‘why,’ and pushing through challenges with conviction.

Key Topics:

• Tara Viswanathan’s journey from quitting her job to building Rupa
• The challenges of raising money and finding product-market fit
• How founders can balance work, health, and mental well-being
• The importance of persistence and trusting the process
• Scaling a company while staying focused on the bigger vision

Quote  From The Episode: 

"Don't kill that spirit inside yourself that wants to keep building and creating. That is the most important thing—don't let that pilot light go out."

- Tara Viswanathan

Timestamp:

[01:16] Tara shared her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the challenges of founding Rupa Health and pioneering holistic healthcare solutions.

[10:12] Tara discussed the rise of holistic and personalized medicine, emphasizing how consumer demand, social media, and advancements in science fueled its mainstream adoption.

[21:54] Tara highlighted the importance of balancing active and passive work for effective decision-making, emphasizing how creating personal rhythms, such as dedicated reflection time, can prevent burnout and improve mental clarity.

[29:54] Tara discussed the importance of prioritization, emphasizing how founders must trust their instincts, balance gut decisions with logical thinking, and focus on what truly drives impact rather than opting for easy wins or processes that feel productive.

[40:08] Tara emphasized the importance of hiring exceptional talent by deeply calibrating for greatness, leveraging networks, and aligning team strengths with company goals, while maintaining a relentless focus on impactful work and personal growth.

[50:20] Tara shared her belief that entrepreneurial excellence is about being your absolute best, continuously improving, having an unwavering commitment to your mission, and working on something truly meaningful while staying authentic and true to yourself.

[1:01:06]  Tara shared her insights on maintaining resilience, embracing a singular focus, and prioritizing what matters most in building a company, while emphasizing the value of personal rhythms, surrendering to life's challenges, and continuously pushing boundaries for growth.

[1:12:50]  Outro

Connect with Tara:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/taraviswanathan

Website - taraviswanathan.com

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Cristina highlights the characteristics of high-performing founders and teams, emphasizing the importance of vision, values, and effective recruiting in building a strong company culture. She discusses her insights on identifying top talent, fostering alignment, and creating an environment where creativity and collaboration thrive.

Tune in to learn how to build meaningful relationships, align your goals with your mission, and set the foundation for sustainable growth!

Key Topics:

• How to build excellence in tech companies
• Traits of successful founders and teams
• Importance of vision and values in business success
• Recruiting and keeping top talent
• Balancing work life and personal goals

Quote From The Episode: 

"Building a great company and a great product are not the same thing."

- Cristina Cordova

Timestamp:

[01:18] Cristina shared with Adam her experience working with remarkable founders, highlighting how their diverse interests and passion for building enduring companies make them stand out.

[10:54] She emphasized key traits founders need, like a clear vision, passion for their mission, and the ability to inspire teams while creating great products and lasting companies.

[21:11] Cristina talked to Adam about the importance of resilience and adaptability, stressing the value of being solution-focused, managing risks, and embracing unique talent.

[32:32] She discussed recruiting as a long-term process, explaining to Adam how founders need to build relationships over time and maintain a strong mission narrative.

[42:16] Cristina explained the value of hiring talent with first-principles thinking, strong communication, creativity, risk-taking, and alignment with company values.

[50:00] She shared with Adam her approach to finding exceptional talent, focusing on self-motivated candidates who thrive in thoughtful, value-aligned environments.

[1:00:01] Cristina underscored the importance of setting clear, motivating goals tied to the company vision and defining success metrics like adoption, usage, or revenue.

[1:17:36] She wrapped up the conversation by emphasizing the essentials of building enduring companies and inspiring teams.

Connect with Cristina Cordova:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/cristinajcordova

Website - cristinajcordova.com

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Todd talks about the lessons he’s learned, from hiring the right people to building a company culture that truly reflects his values. He explains what success means to him, not just in terms of growth, but in creating something meaningful and long-lasting. 

We also explore how Todd approaches storytelling, works with investors who share his vision, and keeps his focus on the bigger picture while staying grounded in the day-to-day work. 

This episode is packed with down-to-earth insights for anyone dreaming of starting something of their own—or just curious about what it takes to build something special.

Key Topics:

• How Todd started his journey as an entrepreneur
• Turning a love for chocolate into a business
• Building a strong team and company culture
• Staying focused while managing challenges
• Defining success and creating something meaningful

Quote  From The Episode: 

"I'm just trying to build something that I want to exist in the world"

- Todd Masonis

Timestamp:

[01:54] Todd shares his incredible journey with Adam, recounting how he transitioned from co-founding Plaxo to leading the American craft chocolate movement with Dandelion Chocolate. His passion for creating something meaningful is evident as he reflects on the drive behind this significant shift.

[10:37] In their discussion, Todd talks about what entrepreneurial excellence means to him, emphasizing the importance of building something meaningful and sustainable while cultivating a strong and adaptable team culture.

[21:24] The conversation deepens as Todd shares his approach to embedding sustainability and mission-driven values at the heart of Dandelion Chocolate, providing Adam with a glimpse into the principles guiding the company.

[29:43] Todd explains how Dandelion navigates complex challenges by implementing robust data systems, exception-based management, and multi-threaded planning, giving Adam a detailed look into their strategic operations.

[39:50] The discussion shifts to scaling, where Todd shares with Adam the intricacies of growing Dandelion Chocolate, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities that come with expansion.

[50:58] Todd reflects on his evolving role as a founder, explaining to Adam how he moved from being deeply hands-on to focusing on strategic delegation and team-building, allowing him to lead more effectively.

[59:52] As the conversation nears its end, Todd talks about the importance of staying true to your vision, highlighting key lessons from his entrepreneurial journey that resonate deeply with Adam and the audience.

[1:08:50]  Outro

Connect with Todd Masonis

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/todd-masonis-42a2

Website - www.dandelionchocolate.com/

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Austin discusses the evolution of Morning Brew, including its rebranding, expansion into professional verticals, and the strategic sale of a majority stake to Axel Springer in 2020. 

He explains how they balance growth, content strategy, and creator diversity while staying laser-focused on serving their audience and advertisers. 

Tune in to hear how Austin Rief and his team turned Morning Brew into a household name in business media and what it takes to build a successful, innovative company in today's competitive landscape!

Key Topics:

• Morning Brew's origin and growth journey
• Rebranding and expansion into new markets
• Decision to sell and future plans for the company
• Leadership, team building, and managing growth
• Key advice for entrepreneurs to keep learning

Quote From The Episode: 

" I was of the mindset of the best thing we can do to attract the best talent is to build the best company "

- Austin Rief

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[01:04] Austin shared the story of how Morning Brew evolved from a college side project into a thriving multimedia business with over 20 franchises.

[09:04] He walked Adam through how Morning Brew spots opportunities to launch new brands by focusing on niche markets, understanding audience engagement, assessing advertiser potential, and addressing gaps in B2B content.

[19:35] Austin highlighted Morning Brew's competitive edge—its powerful and well-established distribution network.

[31:10] He also pointed out that scaling people is often the toughest challenge when it comes to building and growing a company.

[39:54] Austin explained that outsourcing and leveraging global talent have become key strategies for scaling businesses efficiently.

[50:15] He wrapped up by emphasizing the importance of having a laser-sharp focus on a single core metric—building, growing, and selling Morning Brew's newsletter.

[1:05:00] Outro

Connect with Austin Rief:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/austin-rief

Website - MorningBrew.com

X- @austin_rief

Instagram- @austinrief

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Tatyana explores the essence of entrepreneurial excellence, emphasizing the importance of having a clear vision and the discipline to execute it. She dives into the challenges of sequencing steps, managing organizational change, and creating mechanisms for growth while maintaining a data-driven approach. 

As we look to the future, Tatyana provides invaluable insights on building high-performing teams, leveraging AI to streamline operations, and preparing for a world transformed by technological advancements.

Don’t miss this engaging conversation that blends strategy, innovation, and personal wisdom to inspire the next generation of leaders!

Key Topics:

• How Tatyana Mamut defines entrepreneurial excellence
• The importance of vision and taking the right steps
• Using creativity and data to grow a business
• Building strong teams and lasting company culture
• Preparing for the future with AI and adaptability

Quote  From The Episode: 

" A really great entrepreneur starts with someone who has just incredible belief in a particular future that they see differently than other people see. "

- Tatyana Mamut

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[01:38] Tatyana dives into what makes exceptional entrepreneurs stand out, discussing how they balance big-picture vision with precise, actionable steps and the importance of executing those steps in the right order.

[09:04] Drawing from Amazon’s success story, Tatyana explains how methodically tweaking systems can create a clear path toward achieving ambitious goals.

[18:34] Tatyana reflects on her journey at WaveFound, sharing how she and her co-founder stayed flexible and data-driven to adjust their product and engage customers effectively in a rapidly evolving market.

[29:12] In a conversation with Adam, Tatyana explores the unique challenges of growing a startup while preserving its entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting how a founder’s behaviors and values shape the early stages of company culture.

[39:13] Tatyana underscores the critical role of founders in small startups, emphasizing that their actions, more than their words, establish the foundation of a company’s culture.

[48:45] Adam and Tatyana discuss how great leaders inspire their teams by challenging them to surpass their limits, unlocking untapped potential and driving extraordinary outcomes.

[59:53] Tatyana shares how WaveFound integrates 19 AI agents alongside six human team members to optimize tasks and enhance productivity, showcasing how AI is reshaping the startup landscape.

[1:08:44] Tatyana wraps up with a heartfelt message about the power of adaptability and joy, sharing how she instills these values in her children and incorporates them into her entrepreneurial journey.

[1:15:00] Outro

Connect with Tatyana Mamut:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/tmamut

Website - tmamut.com

patterns.ideo.com/issue/the_exchange_economy

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Gonzalo shares the key moments that shaped his perspective, from his multicultural upbringing to his transition from a law career to the world of startups. 

Gonzalo dives into his experiences founding Vasomeriano, a thriving digital media company, and later joining Finchule, a fast-growing wealth management firm, where he played a pivotal role in scaling the company to new heights.

Now, with Get Perhaps, Gonzalo discusses the challenges and opportunities of building an AI-powered collaboration tool while navigating the unique dynamics of the Bay Area. 

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that’s sure to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit!

Key Topics:

• Gonzalo's early life and international experiences
• His journey from law to starting businesses
• Founding Get Perhaps and moving to the Bay Area
• Challenges and opportunities in the tech industry
• Advice for Latin American entrepreneurs

Quote  From The Episode: 

"In order to be great, one must be very aware of where the future is going and try to do something."

- Gonzalo Enei

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[00:15] Gonzalo begins by sharing his fascinating journey with Adam, recounting what it was like to grow up across cultures, moving from Santiago, Chile, to Tokyo, Japan.

[05:50]  Gonzalo reflects on how his international experiences and exposure to cutting-edge ideas inspired him to take the leap and leave a stable legal career behind.

[11:10] Gonzalo opens up to Adam about his entrepreneurial path, discussing his transition from leading a digital media venture and a safari company to helping a Chilean fintech achieve rapid growth.

[16:28]  Gonzalo dives into the motivations behind his move to the Bay Area, explaining how its unique ecosystem of AI innovation, collaboration, and expert talent drew him in.

[21:18] Their conversation deepens as Adam and Gonzalo unpack the cultural and logistical challenges faced by founders from Latin America.

[32:01] The discussion wraps up with Gonzalo and Adam emphasizing how leveraging technological shifts can help uncover non-obvious opportunities to drive innovation.

[35:34] Outro

Connect with Gonzalo Enei:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/gonzaloenei

Website - https://www.getperhaps.com/

X - @EneiGonzalo

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

He highlights the importance of passion, presence, and perseverance in defining excellence in entrepreneurship, urging founders to focus not only on financial outcomes but on attracting the right talent and leading with integrity.

Chris concludes with heartfelt advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: pursue your passion relentlessly and stay committed to your mission, no matter the obstacles.

This conversation is filled with wisdom for anyone seeking growth in their entrepreneurial journey. Tune in for valuable insights!

Key Topics:

• Chris Redlitz's journey in entrepreneurship and venture capital
• Lessons from co-founding Transmedia Capital
• How working with incarcerated individuals shaped his views
• The importance of passion, presence, and perseverance
• Advice for founders to follow their passion and stay committed

Quote  From The Episode: 

"I didn’t start a VC firm because I wanted to be a billionaire. I started the VC firm because I felt like I had the experience and knowledge to sit on the other side of the table, and I wanted to be the guy that somebody could call. I just wanted to see if I could do it. "

- Chris Redlitz

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[01:52] Chris dives into his entrepreneurial journey, sharing stories of founding multiple startups, co-founding The Last Mile nonprofit, and his work in venture capital.

[09:29] Chris explains to Adam how curiosity drives entrepreneurship and stresses the importance of collaboration between founders and investors. He also talks about how investor support extends beyond just financial backing.

[18:17] Adam and Chris discuss the value of perseverance and determination, highlighting the need for teamwork, especially within the fast-paced startup world.

[28:39] Chris recounts a personal adventure—sailing to Hawaii at just 20 years old without modern technology—and how his love for bold experiences shaped his approach to life and business.

[34:28] Chris talks about opening a running shoe store in Hermosa Beach and how that path eventually led him to work with Reebok, helping to elevate the brand during its explosive growth in the 1980s.

[42:39] Chris reflects on his whirlwind journey from running a small business to becoming the CEO of a Silicon Valley startup, navigating the challenges of board meetings, securing major funding, and handling the media spotlight.

[50:38] Chris shares the inspiring story of teaching inmates how to develop business ideas and encouraging them to open up through social media, even though they didn’t have internet access.

[58:35] Chris looks back on the growth of The Last Mile, from a small initiative to a powerful program that’s helping incarcerated individuals rediscover their purpose and value.

[1:12:14] Outro

Connect with Chris Redlitz:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/chrisredlitz

Website - transmediacapital.com

https://thelastmile.org/profile/chris-redlitz/

X - @ChrisRedlitz

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Siqi shares why storytelling is the heart of any successful venture and reveals how a clear, authentic narrative can make or break a business. At Runway, he’s crafted a vision that goes beyond software, focusing on tools that genuinely help people understand and elevate their work.

Tune in for real insights from an entrepreneur who understands that growth is as much about learning and evolving as it is about achieving!

Key Topics:

• Siqi Chen’s journey in technology and business
• Importance of storytelling in building companies
• Using AI and remote work for growth
• Building a strong team and company culture
• Keys to resilience and long-term success in entrepreneurship

Quote From The Episode: 

"The experience of operating as a founder is the constant, almost schizophrenic balancing act between two things that are in complete opposition and trying to make it work."

- Siqi Chen

Timestamp:

[00:00] Intro

[02:19] Siqi took us through his fascinating journey from being curious about tech to actually founding his own companies. 

[10:56] Reflecting on his journey, Siqi opened up about what it was like to build companies from the ground up—and eventually let them go when the time was right.

[20:10] Together, Adam and Siqi shared some deep insights into what it takes to build companies that aren’t just here for the moment but can make a lasting impact.

[29:54] Siqi gave us an inside look into how he’s been refining Runway’s story, shaping the company’s identity and vision.

[40:38] They dove into the qualities that set great entrepreneurs and successful founders apart, emphasizing the kind of mindset needed to make a mark.

[50:39] Siqi shared Runway’s core values, like “give a shit,” “raise the bar,” “build trust,” and “create clarity.” These principles define their work culture and the standards they hold each other to.

[01:00:16] Both Adam and Siqi highlighted the importance of self-awareness for founders—knowing your personality, strengths, and limitations can make or break a company.

[1:15:17] Outro

Connect with Siqi Chen:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/siqic

Website - https://www.facebook.com/founder

X - @blader

Instagram - @blader

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Pranitha shares her perspective on being open-minded, convicted, and focused on one thing, emphasizing the importance of failing quickly and holding no limiting beliefs. She passionately states that Function Health is driven by the mission to change lives rather than seeking exits or recognition. 

The conversation navigates through the bumps and challenges encountered on the path to excellence. Balancing work culture at a startup, Pranitha emphasizes the importance of manual work to identify edge cases, taking time off to prevent burnout, and fostering a healthy work-life balance.

Tune in and know why being open-minded and focused can transform your business approach!

Key Topics:

• Defining excellence in entrepreneurship
• Democratizing healthcare with personalized testing
• Building a remote-first company culture
• Balancing work and personal life for founders
• Importance of mental health and relationships

Quote  From The Episode: 

We're trying our very best to change people's lives and bring people's power back into their health.

- Pranitha Patil

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[01:47] Pranitha emphasized the importance of open-mindedness, conviction, and resilience in defining excellence.

[11:49] Pranitha recounted their journey from consulting at Accenture to co-founding Function Health.

[20:15] Adam and Pranitha talk about how Function Health integrates cultural norms and principles into daily operations.

[31:01] Pranitha elaborated on how Function Health started as a remote-first company due to COVID-19.

[42:04] Pranitha described the intense, project-based work culture at Function Health.

[50:08] Adam and Pranitha discussed the growing awareness and importance of longevity.

[1:00:02] Outro

Connect with Pranitha Patil:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/pranithapatil

Twitter/X - @pranithapat

Instagram -  @pranitha

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

In this episode, We sit down with Dave Kline, a seasoned entrepreneur, writer, coach, and advisor to over 200,000 leaders. From managing 37 direct reports at Bridgewater to driving $380.5 million in revenue at Moody’s, Dave has lived and breathed leadership at the highest level, and today, he’s sharing what he’s learned along the way.

You’ll hear Dave’s take on hiring with purpose, creating a company culture that sticks, and staying resilient through changing business climates. We also get real about balancing work and life, avoiding burnout, and incentivizing outcomes that truly matter. Whether you’re running a startup or managing a team, this conversation will leave you with actionable insights on how to lead with clarity, curiosity, and heart so tune in!

Key Topics:

• Dave Kline’s background and leadership experience
• Defining excellence and personal sovereignty
• Building high-performing teams and strong company culture
• Balancing work, life, and peak performance
• Adapting to change and achieving long-term success

Quote  From The Episode: 

"People can tangle things and make them more complicated than they are, and I think I can break them down and pull them apart in a good way. "

- Dave Kline

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[02:44] Dave shared his thoughts on personal sovereignty, excellence, and success, and how these ideas shape entrepreneurial impact.

[10:08] Adam and Dave exchanged insights on how different factors contribute to entrepreneurial success, reflecting on the nuances of making a meaningful impact.

[20:45] Dave talked about how entrepreneurs can grow by questioning assumptions and refining their skills through intentional reflection.

[28:39] Adam and Dave discussed how building the right culture and aligning hiring with company values can help attract people who truly fit, while also discouraging those who don’t.

[40:47] Dave emphasized the importance of syncing hiring practices, culture, and values with a company’s mission to create a purposeful work environment.

[50:13] Dave explained how companies stay at their best by matching talent with ambitions, ensuring sustainable growth and peak performance.

[01:09:58] Adam and Dave highlighted that hiring based on character and cultural alignment matters more than just credentials, as it’s the people who drive lasting success.

[1:19:32] Outro

Connect with Dave Kline

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/davidkline

Website - skillscouter.com maven.com/dave-kline/new-manager-accelerator/

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

 From starting a computer business in high school to venturing into consulting and FCC license accumulation, Stephen's journey underscores the impact of early exposure and parental influence on entrepreneurial spirit.

This episode wraps up with reflections on venture capital, work ethic, and the fight to win in entrepreneurship. Tune in now!

Key Topics:

• Team Building and Leadership.
• Entrepreneurial Journey and Success Stories.
• Risk, Venture Capital, and Company Growth
• Customer Focus and Product Development
• Hiring Best Practices for Startups

Quote  From The Episode: 

People that that have a proven track record of excellence are threats

- Stephen Marcus

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[02:46] After founding a successful computer business in high school, Stephen transitioned into consulting and building data centers while still in college.

[07:04] As a sophomore in college, Stephen leveraged his family's entrepreneurial background and his own savvy to secure financing for a cell tower business after selling FCC licenses he had acquired as a teenager.

[13:18] Adam and Stephen delves into the importance of perception, presentation, and mindset in entrepreneurship.

[18:58] Stephen discusses the qualities of exceptional CEOs, highlighting the importance of vision, resilience, and storytelling.

[21:33] Stephen emphasizes the key qualities of successful entrepreneurs, including the ability to tell compelling stories, demonstrate strong leadership skills, think independently, and relentlessly pursue goals.

[24:09] Adam and Stephen explores the importance of team dynamics and leadership in startup success.

[30:46] Adam and Stephen Talked about the importance of founders' backgrounds in relation to company growth, with insights on the significance of understanding market risk versus execution risk.

[38:47] Stephen underscores the importance of identifying good customers who not only pay their bills but also have a top-three need for the product.

[44:21]  Adam and Stephen explores the challenges of customer-led product development and the pitfalls of niche-focused solutions

[51:33] Stephen addresses the challenges of hiring top talent and the risks of settling for mediocre hires or delaying crucial hires for too long.

[55:29] Stephen reviewed the importance of hiring a mix of high-potential individuals and seasoned executives

[1:03:37]  Adam and Stephen analyzed the critical role of recruiting in a CEO's responsibilities.

[1:08:43] Adam and Stephen addressed the necessity of perseverance, adaptability, and active engagement in both building successful companies and fostering positive relationships in the venture capital industry.

[1:19:33] Stephen discussed the process of identifying top candidates by using an evidence-based behavioral scoring system.

[1:23:14] Outro

Connect with Stephen Marcus:

X - @smarcus

Website - https://www.riot.vc/partners/stephen-marcus

LinkedIn- linkedin.com/in/smarcus

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Mark shares valuable insights on empowering senior leaders, fostering a culture of psychological safety, and creating an environment where teams can thrive. He also touches on maintaining company culture during periods of rapid growth, highlighting the importance of a founder’s involvement in hiring and nurturing a results-driven culture.

Tune in to hear Mark's take on entrepreneurship, persistence, and the strategies that can help founders achieve lasting success!

Key Topics:

• Overcoming challenges in fast-growing startups
• Raising capital and hiring the right team
• Empowering leaders and creating a strong company culture
• The impact of AI on business and productivity
• Persistence and pivoting in entrepreneurship

Quote  From The Episode: 

“I have an inherent restlessness, which makes me crave change when things become too routine or predictable.”

- Mark Heynen

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[01:13] Mark elaborated on how entrepreneurialism is about identifying a compelling problem.

[10:02] Adam and Mark explored the importance of hiring the right people.

[21:06] Mark reflected on how they personally define success as creating something lasting and resilient.

[30:16] Mark explained how their experience in India and lessons from founding Electrobug influenced their perspective on hiring global teams.

[40:29] Adam and Mark emphasized that persistence and grit are key factors that differentiate successful entrepreneurs.

[50:15] Mark highlighted that great entrepreneurs focus on identifying the right problem.

[1:05:15] Outro

Connect with Mark Heynen

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/markheynen

Websites - nxtblln.com

X - @markheynen

Cheesecake Labs - ckl.io

The BMANTR framework for early stage b2b sales -  https://medium.com/@blanchetcharles/early-stage-enterprise-deal-qualification-and-management-334d27c3d7d3

Outlive - https://www.amazon.com/Outlive-Longevity-Peter-Attia-MD/dp/0593236599

The Realistic Optimist - https://www.realisticoptimist.io/

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Alexi defines entrepreneurial excellence as the ability to take a bold vision and turn it into reality, sharing insights from his own journey at BetterUp, a company now reaching hundreds of millions in revenue.

They dive into the unique perspective successful entrepreneurs possess, emphasizing the importance of a clear worldview that informs decision-making.

Don’t miss out on this chance to learn from one of today’s most dynamic entrepreneurial leaders!

Key Topics:

-How bold ideas become real through vision and action

-The value of not giving up when facing challenges

-The role of risk-taking in building a successful business

-Creating a strong company culture for lasting success

-The importance of hiring the right people for your team

Quote From The Episode: 

“We've never quit. We felt like it's really meaningful work. It's the opportunity of a lifetime. And no matter how pressed, we've been squeezed, dejected, rejected, whatever negative feelings we've had, and we've had them all”

- Alexi Robichaux

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[02:26] Alexi elaborated on the unique aspects of entrepreneurial leadership.

[10:14] Adam and Alexi reflected on their entrepreneurial journey.

[18:38] Alexi shared his thoughts on taking risks and pursuing entrepreneurship despite lucrative job offers.

[28:54] Adam and Alexi acknowledged the challenges of maintaining an obsessive drive while building a strong culture.

[40:35] Alexi emphasized the importance of building a team aligned with the company’s mission and values.

[48:30] Adam and Alexi shared their perspective on delegation and leadership.

[1:00:34] Alexi addressed the challenges of hiring go-to-market leaders and acknowledged that despite the best intentions and efforts.

[1:11:51] Adam and Alexi conveyed their belief that the key to achieving excellence as an entrepreneur is to trust your gut, but also to seek coaching as a way to clarify and articulate those intuitive feelings

[1:20:11] Outro

Connect with Alexi Robichaux:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/alexirobichaux

Websites - glenroegroup.com

     ylamerica.org 

          about.me/alexirobichaux

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Scott dives deep into the moments of self-awareness and growth that shape an entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of managing risks and understanding the value of incremental successes. The conversation touches on the delicate balance between multiple ventures and how frustration often sparks the entrepreneurial spirit.

The conversation delves into the complexities of the job market, highlighting the untapped potential of qualified individuals and the need for a purposeful mission to overcome obstacles.

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that offers insights and inspiration for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey!

Key Topics:

• Defining excellence and success as an entrepreneur
• Time management and productivity tips for busy executives
• Building a strong company culture and hiring for initiative
• The entrepreneurial mindset and traits of successful leaders
• Balancing work-life and the ongoing challenges of entrepreneurship

Quote  From The Episode: 

Sometimes what people really want to talk about is the thing that they're worried about.

- Scott Belsky

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[01:14] Scott reflected on the meaning of excellence and success.

[11:40] Adam and Scott emphasized the importance of starting product reviews by focusing on the problem being solved and the user's overall experience.

[21:20] Scott explored the idea that a company's culture often mirrors its founder's personality and discussed different types of founders.

[31:40] Adam and Scott discussed the challenges of knowing when a founder has lost conviction in their startup.

[40:42] Scott conveyed his experience managing large teams, the importance of leadership development,

[44:27] Outro

Connect with Scott Belsky

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/scottbelsky

Website - behance.com

                scottbelsky.com

              99u.com

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Jared discusses the qualities of successful founders, highlighting their obsession with solving problems and making the impossible possible. He underscores the combination of smarts, luck, and fortitude needed to push through challenges and achieve entrepreneurial success. 

Throughout the conversation, Jared offers valuable advice and reflections on entrepreneurship, personal growth, and finding fulfillment in work and life. This episode provides a deep dive into the mind of a successful entrepreneur and coach, offering listeners practical insights and inspiration for their own entrepreneurial journeys.

Tune in as we uncover the essence of entrepreneurial excellence and the journey toward achieving it!

Key Topics:

-Jared Fliesler's journey from Midwest to SF and discovering entrepreneurship

-Qualities and motivations of successful founders and entrepreneurs

-Balancing work, life, and finding personal happiness

-Importance of product market fit and simplicity in product design

-Building a team and self-awareness for successful entrepreneurship

Quote From The Episode: 

"If you're feeling your energy is being drained, try to shift what you're working on until you feel motivated by it”

- Jared Fliesler

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[01:59] Jared shared his unconventional journey from the Midwest to San Francisco.

[10:48] Jared emphasized that grit and discipline are crucial traits for successful founders.

[20:02] Adam and Jared reflected on their gratitude for their fortunate circumstances and how this perspective helps them navigate the challenges of running a company.

[29:13] Jared discussed the subjective nature of work-life balance.

[43:23] Jared elaborated on how product-market fit is unmistakable when customers use the product in unforeseen ways.

[51:37] Adam and Jared recounted a story about Square's initial product challenges.

[56:50] Outro

Connect with Jared Fliesler:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/jaredsf

Twitter/X - @jaredsf

Website - firstcall.co/

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

He shares his insights on the mindset and psychology of successful entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of grit, resilience, and learning from failure. Austen also discusses the inception of BloomTech, aiming to revolutionize online education by balancing automation with human interaction!

The conversation delves into the complexities of the job market, highlighting the untapped potential of qualified individuals and the need for a purposeful mission to overcome obstacles.

Tune in and get ready to elevate your entrepreneurial game!

Key Topics:

-Journey to Entrepreneurship and Tech Industry

-Dropping Out of College and Parental Concerns

-Online Education and Balance Between Automation and Human Interaction

-Optimizing Job Placement and Grit in Entrepreneurship

-Startup Success, Failure, and Belief in Vision

Quote From The Episode: 

"My definition of success is a world changing company that gives everybody the ability to increase, to live up to their financial potential"

- Austen Allred

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[02:01] Austin shared his journey from childhood business ventures to founding Bloom Tech.

[10:31]Austin explained the challenges and strategies of adapting classroom experiences to online education.

[23:23] Adam and Austin elaborated on the critical importance of grit for entrepreneurs.

[30:55] Austin highlighted the two primary reasons companies fail.

[40:04] Austin discussed the challenge of deciding whether to sell a company or keep growing it.

[50:29] Adam and Austin talk about the challenges of managing rapid company growth.

[1:00:46] Austin Allred emphasized the importance of thoroughly vetting candidates with impressive resumes from big companies

[1:18:47] Outro

Connect with Austen Allred:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/austenallred

Twitter/X - @Austen

Instagram - @austenall

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Aaref discusses his journey as a first-time CEO, sharing invaluable lessons from his successes and mistakes. He emphasizes that entrepreneurial excellence is a blend of IQ, EQ, insight, and leadership, and that success comes from determination and hard work, regardless of innate abilities.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to achieve entrepreneurial excellence and the key factors that drive success in the competitive world of tech startups!

Key Topics:

-Defining entrepreneurial excellence and success

-Challenges of balancing founder and CEO roles

-Importance of company culture and proactive compensation

-Investing in startups and key success factors

-Insights on generational differences and work ethic

Quote From The Episode: 

I've never judged things by outcomes or by what other people think. 

- Aaref Hilaly

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[03:03] Adam and Aaref conversed about defining and achieving entrepreneurial excellence.

[08:23] Adam and Aaref talked about the common mistakes founders make, the importance of learning and self-education.

[17:08] Aaref delved into the importance of building a core team with cultural fit.

[24:25] Adam and Aaref explored the challenges of recruiting talent for startups.

[30:05] Aaref discussed the evolution of leadership styles.

[34:18] Adam and Aaref discussed the influence of location on startup success.

[39:42] Aaref talks about the influx of talent into the startup ecosystem.

[46:09] Adam and Aaref delve into the importance of maintaining an open mind both as an investor and a founder..

[50:01] Aaref emphasized how the perception of winning drives hard work and dedication within a company.

[57:38] Aaref touched on the factors that drive employee motivation and satisfaction.

[1:05:03] Adam and Aaref explored the reasons behind the failure of startups despite initial promise.

[1:11:21] Aaref shared experiences of missed investment opportunities and lessons learned from them.

[1:18:13] Outro

Connect with Aaref Hilaly:

Website -https://baincapitalventures.com/team/aaref-hilaly/

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/aarefhilaly

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Success in entrepreneurship is rarely about following a blueprint. Auren Hoffman believes there is no single path to becoming a great founder, but there is one trait almost every successful one shares — persistence. In this episode, he opens up about why chasing the “safe” career path can secretly hold you back and how cutting your team size might be the fastest way to grow.

We explore why the ability to choose and manage vendors is the most underrated skill in business today and why mastering it can give you an edge most competitors will never see coming. 

If you are ready for founder advice that challenges the usual startup playbook and forces you to rethink how you build, scale, and lead, this conversation will change how you approach your business.

Key Topics:

-Persistence as the defining trait of successful founders

-Why working at large companies can slow personal growth

-The power of selecting and managing vendors effectively

-How lean teams can accelerate company growth

-Avoiding overhiring and focusing on high value work

Quote  From The Episode: 

"The only thing that successful founders almost always have in common is persistence."

- Auren Hoffman

Timestamp:

[01:59] Why Persistence Beats Every Other Founder Trait

[10:38] Why Playing It Safe Can Be the Riskiest Career Move

[20:44] The Counterintuitive Truth About Building a High-Performance Team

[31:39] The Most Overlooked Skill That Defines Great Hires

[42:57] Mastering the Underrated Skill That Gives Founders an Unfair Edge

[51:14] Why Fewer People Can Mean Faster Growth for Your Company

[1:00:47] The Simple Rules That Make or Break Entrepreneurs

[1:12:36] Outro

Connect with - Auren Hoffman:

LinkedIn -  linkedin.com/in/auren

Websites: SafeGraph.com (Company)

summation.net/ (Blog)

twitter.com/auren (twitter)

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence Podcast:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Dan discusses how entrepreneurial success involves making an impact on the world and the lives of others. He shares stories of how his company's products have improved people's lives and talks about the importance of building successful companies by focusing on the market, team, and product.

Tune in to learn how to optimize life for happiness and fun while achieving entrepreneurial success!

Key Topics:

-Achieving entrepreneurial success and happiness

-Building impactful companies with the right team

-Hiring smart and making good decisions

-Embracing curiosity, drive, and taking risks

-Key factors when selling a company and thinking big

Quote From The Episode: 

Life is short, make the most of it.

- Dan Reich

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[03:07] Dan discusses his perspective on success, emphasizing the importance of making the most of life.

[06:15] Dan shares that he measures success by the impact he makes on the world and in the lives of others.

[08:49] Adam and Dan talk about the challenges and lessons learned from founding multiple companies.

[14:17] Dan elaborates on their entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of market, team, and product.

[20:06] Dan emphasizes the critical role of a CEO in managing cash, culture, vision, and hiring.

[23:08] Adam and Dan share their insights on evaluating co-founder relationships and hiring practices.

[30:41] Adam and Dan reflect on the evolution of their understanding of success.

[37:15] Adam and Dan highlights the crucial role of people in a company's success.

[42:26] Adam and Dan discuss the balance of compensation and equity for employees.

[49:24] Dan elaborates the balance between compensation and equity.

[1:00:17] Adam and Dan reflect on the role of confidence and lack of fear in entrepreneurship.

[1:12:25] Outro

Connect with Dan Reich

Instagram - @danreich

Website - danreich.com

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/danreich

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Anna sheds light on the pivotal role of HR in the startup ecosystem—how it's not just about hiring but about nurturing a culture that can withstand rapid scaling and the challenges that come with it. Learn the art and science behind setting up a vibrant culture, making those crucial first hires, and building teams that are not just skilled but are aligned with the company's core mission.

But how do you scale from a handful of employees to hundreds while maintaining that culture? How do you ensure HR practices evolve without losing the essence of what made your startup succeed in the first place? Anna answers these burning questions and shares insights on achieving HR excellence—a beacon for startups aspiring to make a significant impact.

Whether you're a founder, a startup employee, or an HR professional looking to leave a mark in the high-growth ecosystem, this episode with Anna Lenhardt promises to equip you with the know-how and inspiration to forge ahead. From creating winning cultures to strategic hiring and beyond, get ready to be enlightened by one of the industry's best.

In this not-to-be-missed episode, Goldstein, CEO of Exchange Listing LLC, and the mind-fueling Emmis Capital, sits down to decode the DNA of successful startups and dissect the real ROI of an IPO.

Peter reveals whether taking the Wall Street plunge is golden or just a glittering lure. We tackle age-old questions with a new-age twist – Can entering the public arena supercharge your company's legacy or is it stepping into a high-stakes game better played by the financial titans?

From the maze of raising capital to engineering a startup that stands the test of time, this episode is your golden ticket to C-suite strategies and venture capital savvy.

✨ Tune in to The Entrepreneurial Excellence Podcast and gain a frontline perspective on making waves in business seas. Ready to elevate your entrepreneur game? Hit play now and chart your course for the stars!

🎙️ Entrepreneurial Excellence is thrilled to welcome Faheem Siddiqi, the mastermind transforming startups into successful enterprises. Tailored for anyone with a spark of entrepreneurship, this episode distills Siddiqi's magic formula for building unforgettable companies.

Faheem doesn't stop at financial whizzing. He shares his unique perspective on fostering business acumen - an indispensable tool in the startup toolbox. You'll discover how understanding market dynamics, customer needs, and competition can turbocharge your startup growth. 🚀

All work and no hustle? Not in Faheem's book! This episode unravels how relentless pursuit and passion pave the way to building the company of your dreams. Prepare for an adrenaline shot of motivation that'll make you leap into action. 🎯

Fasten your seat belts for this journey of entrepreneurial discovery with Faheem Siddiqi. Readiness to hustle is required onboard; greatness is assured upon arrival. Tune in! 📻

Expect to unearth:

1. Lessons in spotting founders set to revolutionize industries
2. A guide to growing a company from solo venture to robust team
3. Secrets of executive coaching that elevate CEOs from good to great

Immerse yourself in invaluable insights from Vaughn - a seasoned pro who's turned tech dreams into reality. This episode is your toolkit, whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, seeking investment opportunities, or striving to become a transformative leader.

Tune in to step into the world of tech success with Ryan Vaughn. Start your journey to entrepreneurial brilliance here.

We delve into the world of tech investments with the visionary founder of 8-bit Capital, Kent Lindstrom. Together, we explore the alchemy of turning startups into gold, unearthing secrets from the investment realm. With a keen eye for high-growth founders and a vast portfolio of early-stage software startups in AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity, Enterprise, Fintech, and Social, Kent shares the recipe that helps companies thrive against all odds.

Join us for this power-packed episode, and unlock the secrets to entrepreneurial success with Kent Lindstrom - the tech investor who knows how to beat the odds and create industry game-changers. Don't miss out - your master class in venture capital investing awaits.

On this episode of Entrepreneurial Excellence, we take a deep dive with Tim Delisle, the visionary Managing Director at Polarized Capital and a maestro of mergers. From crafting data-fueled strategies at Nike to pioneering AI at Datalogue, Tim stands as the entrepreneur's entrepreneur – blending art with science, and passion with precision.

🔍 He's seen the red flags waving high in the venture capital skies and now he's ready to share the weather report. What makes a founder not just good, but great? Tim taps into his extensive experience and data-savvy insights to untangle this web.

Join us for a session brimming with wisdom mined from the front lines of venture funds to the heart of non-profits. Whether you're bootstrapping your business or dreaming of the C-suite, Tim's tales from the trenches are bound to electrify your entrepreneurial spirit.

Hari's entrepreneurial journey began at Stanford, and led him through BCG, serving as an executive to a now-public company, angel investing in unicorns like Notion and Mercury, starting a VC fund, and building multiple startups, including his most recent venture in stealth mode.

From the perspectives of a serial founder, business operator, dedicated advisor, and active investor, Hari's experiences offer priceless insights into what it takes to successfully navigate and master the startup ecosystem.

In this episode of Entrepreneurial Excellence, we'll explore Hari's many ventures, unlocking the secrets behind transforming an idea into a thriving business. Buckle up, for Hari's story is full of wisdom, inspiration, and fascinating tales.

Get ready as we delve into the brilliant, multi-dimensional mind of Bryan Casey, General Partner at Plural. Enter the exciting world of early-stage investing, where Bryan, with his substantial experience, picks the winners of tomorrow.

Starting as a law expert from Stanford, Bryan has masterfully woven legal expertise into identifying investment opportunities that spell startup success. We dissect his journey, demystify the complexity of venture capital, and showcase the power of strategic investments in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape.

Prepare yourself for a gripping conversation that offers crucial insights for both seasoned professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs. It's time to meet the legal eagle of startup investing, Bryan Casey! Don't forget to subscribe and join us on this fascinating voyage.

Sasha’s notable contributions extend beyond entrepreneurship. His groundbreaking financial research and innovative insights have garnered recognition at prominent platforms like TEDx and the World Economic Forum. Commanding respect at forums such as the Milken Institute Global Forum and Startuponomics, his unique perspectives continue to win awards.

His influence is also felt in academia, guest lecturing at renowned institutions like Harvard and Stanford. Top-tier publications including WSJ, NYT, and Bloomberg widely amplify his words of wisdom. Prepare to gain invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, money management, AI in accounting, and more from Sasha's rich repertoire of experiences in this must-listen episode.

Matt shares the immense benefits of TechStars for entrepreneurs, highlighting how access to resources, mentorship, and a focus on execution can significantly enhance startup success. We explore the scale and impact of TechStars, which invests in over 600 companies annually through its extensive global network, offering unparalleled support and opportunities for growth.

Tune in to discover how TechStars provides essential resources and mentorship to entrepreneurs!

Key Topics:

• Benefits of TechStars for entrepreneurs
• Definition of success in entrepreneurship
• Traits of successful startup founders
• Importance of growth mindset and mentorship for CEOs
• Effective communication and performance management in startups

Quote  From The Episode: 

Do not leave people on the hook. Do not ghost people. Do not be unreliable. Do not be late to meetings. Be competent, consistent.

- Matt Kozlov

Timestamp:

[00:00] Podcast Intro

[03:06] Matt  highlighted TechStars' global reach and investment strategy.

[06:27] Matt emphasized the advantages of being part of TechStars.

[10:50] Matt outlined TechStars' goal of creating significant commercial value in a short timeframe through intensive mentorship.

[13:51]  Adam and Matt highlighted the importance of long-term success for entrepreneurs.

[20:22] Matt discussed that for pre-seed investors, the focus is on the people behind the startups.

[25:24] Adam and Matt talk about the key qualities of exceptional entrepreneurs include not just passion and grit.

[31:59] Matt mentioned that TechStars' intense environment necessitates delegation by CEOs.

[45:20] Matt discussed how TechStars looks for founders.

[54:09] Matt explained that TechStars provides a valuable environment where founders can compare and learn from their peers.

[59:59] Matt delves into the importance of clear communication.

[1:06:57] Outro

Connect with Matt Kozlov

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/mattkozlov

Twitter/X - @Koz

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence

Welcome to a captivating episode of Entrepreneurial Excellence! Today, we're thrilled to host Wayne Hu, General Partner at SignalFire, a man with unmatched experience and profound insights into the world of startups and venture capital.

Whether it's his knack for identifying successful founders, his innovative approach to startup investing, or his strategic navigation of academia and business simultaneously, Wayne's expertise is truly enlightening. As we delve deep into these fascinating stories, we also uncover how the HBS experience has influenced Wayne's path in the field of venture capital.

In our in-depth conversation, Jamie dishes up a hearty portion of wisdom covering everything from the minutiae of marketing to the logistics love/hate relationship. He shares his experiences, from his roots in engineering to his adventures in the food startup space, revealing just what it takes to whip up a successful startup in this vibrant industry.

Take a seat at our table as we delve into the strategies that fuel Catapult and explore how Jamie's diverse background nurtures his recipe for startup success. We promise you'll walk away feeling well-fed with knowledge! Do join us for more servings of success, right here on Entrepreneurial Excellence. Remember to hit Subscribe to stay in the know of all things entrepreneurial!

Delve into an immersive conversation as we dissect the omnipresent world of AI with the ones who are at the frontier, shaping its direction. Witness how Tarun's company PressW embodies the cutting edge in generative AI and how Abhishek's brainchild, BetterBrain, leapfrogs conventional methods in defining the AI space.

Together, we discuss the future, navigating the digital landscape, envisaging the changes AI will bring as it progresses, and weighing the possibilities of how AI will redefine the future of work.

So, get ready for a Pygmalion effect as two master sculptors, Tarun and Abhishek, shape the very clay of the AI world. Be part of the conversation that could soon be part of your tomorrow! Remember, there's no better time to talk about AI. Buckle up, hit Subscribe, and join us in this thrilling journey into the heart of AI. Tomorrow starts today!

Join us in the exciting world of startups with Noelle Tassey, the driven Founder and CEO of coLAB. In this episode of Entrepreneurial Excellence, we delve into Noelle’s journey of scaling early-stage tech businesses and launching new ventures.

Dive deep into fascinating discussions on the challenges and triumphs of the startup world, and gain valuable insights on driving growth, customer acquisition, fundraising, strategy, and more. Get inspired by Noelle's commitment to building a more equal future through technology. Explore the extraordinary journey of an entrepreneur who believes in the power of collaboration and has helped start-ups raise billions in venture funding.

Explore in-depth discussions on what it takes to identify successful founders, pinpoint the hallmarks of a good company, and identify pitfalls to avoid when investing in early-stage startups. Listen to a man holding an impressive portfolio of 600+ startups and gain wisdom from his deep-rooted passion for fostering global entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Ryan's journey is more than just building and growing startups; it's a narrative on empowering smart, talented individuals to carve out groundbreaking solutions for humanity's most pressing challenges. Be prepared to be swept off your feet by this unique episode blending wit, wisdom, and world-changing entrepreneurship.

Dive into engaging discussions on identifying successful founders, the hallmarks of a good company, what to avoid when investing in early-stage startups, and much more. Learn from a prolific investor who has partnered with 25% of top startups in 2021 and 2022 as per the Forbes Rising Stars lists.

With a top-tier investment track record and invaluable experience in scaling SaaS businesses such as Gainsight and dbt Labs, Allison's insights are a treasure trove for budding entrepreneurs and investors alike.

Get a front-row seat as we explore Allison's unique strategies and perspectives on startup success, and prepare to be inspired by her commitment to cultivating a new normal in the startup industry. So sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in this captivating episode filled with wit, wisdom, and entrepreneurial enlightenment.

Gain cutting-edge insights from a Forbes 30 Under 30 Nominee and the Remote Tech CEO of the Year 2021, who has been instrumental in building one of the fastest-growing tech scale-ups in North America.

From the lessons he's learned to the wisdom gained from his unique entrepreneurial voyage, this episode offers invaluable insights for budding entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts alike.

Get ready to be inspired by Andrew McLeod's vision, dedication, and hustle. Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion unraveling the highs and lows of his illustrious career. Dive in now for your perfect dose of entrepreneurial excellence!

Buckle up as we uncover the secrets of his journey, from beating the GMAT to building a social network for aspiring MBA students. Get ready to dive into the mind of a kind, yet relentless investor who's committed to backing hustlers and revolutionizing the VC industry.

If you're craving inspiration, motivation, and practical advice to fuel your own entrepreneurial dreams, this is the podcast you won't want to miss. Tune in now and let Eric Bahn show you how to hustle your way to the top! 💼💡🚀

In this episode, discover pivotal moments that molded Ben's path of innovation and disruption. Explore untold stories and behind-the-scenes insights that propelled this tech luminary to become a global leader. From building a tech powerhouse at WP Engine to driving social change through innovative technology at Uber, this podcast uncovers how Ben Metcalfe has transformed the tech world as we know it.

Join us for a thought-provoking journey filled with valuable lessons, inspiring anecdotes, and wit and wisdom from a visionary tech leader.

Tune in to “Tech Titan Tales: Ben Metcalfe’s Extraordinary Journey” - the podcast that unveils the remarkable story of a true disruptor in the industry.