Breaking Into Tech Without Coding: Joana’s Story Founders Future podcast

29:14

On this episode of Founders Future , host Mishal Saeed sits down with Daniel Gomez Seidel , co-founder and creative strategist of Inplural , a Brooklyn-based branding consultancy that blends cultural insight, design thinking, and purpose-led strategy. With a background in design for social innovation and experience at StrawberryFrog, Daniel shares how Inplural is helping brands go beyond aesthetics to connect with meaning and mission. From early challenges to breakthrough moments, this conversation uncovers how a human-centric approach to branding is shaping the future—and what it takes to stand out in a crowded market. Tune in for a fresh perspective on building purposeful brands that resonate.…

Founders Future

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AI-Driven Marketing with Santiago Cortés of Lab Cortex 25:13

4 days ago25:13

25:13

In this episode of Founders Future , host Ammar Elm sits down with Santiago Cortés, co-founder and CEO of Lab Cortex , a New York-based startup that’s transforming digital marketing through AI-powered analytics and automation. With a unique background spanning sustainability, architecture, and tech entrepreneurship, Santiago shares his unconventional path to founding LabCortex. He opens up about the challenges of building in the fast-paced marketing tech space, the value of cross-disciplinary thinking, and how his team is helping businesses unlock smarter, more scalable growth. Tune in to hear how AI is reshaping the future of marketing—and what it takes to lead that change.…

Founders Future

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Driving Innovation in Professional Services with Floor Blindenbach 25:52

4 days ago25:52

25:52

In this insightful episode of Founders Future , host Mishal Saeed sits down with Floor Blindenbach , founder of Organizing4Innovation , to explore how professional service firms can harness innovation as a true competitive edge. With a PhD in innovation management and over a decade of experience, Floor shares how her company—founded in 2014—is helping organizations adapt to technological change, especially in the era of generative AI. From reshaping workflows to ensuring AI investments drive measurable value, Floor reveals how innovation can be systematized for long-term success. A must-listen for leaders navigating digital transformation.…

Founders Future

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Scaling Smarter: MSP Growth with Erick Simpson 26:47

4 days ago26:47

26:47

In this episode of Founders Future , host Jae Encarnacion welcomes Erick Simpson , a pioneer in the managed services space and founder of MSP Mastered and ErickSimpson.com . With over 30 years of IT experience, Erick is a multi-award-winning MSP expert, consultant, and thought leader who helped shape one of the first pure-play MSPs. He shares his entrepreneurial journey, the creation of the MSP Mastered™ methodology, and the strategies that have empowered IT service providers and channel vendors to scale profitably. Tune in to hear how Erick’s frameworks are shaping the future of IT services—and what it really takes to lead in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.…

Founders Future

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Streamlining HR with David Neikrug of Optimatum 24:05

4 days ago24:05

24:05

In this episode of Founders Future , host Jae Encarnacion sits down with David Neikrug, founder and CEO of Optimatum Solutions LLC , to unpack how he’s transforming HR operations for middle-market companies. With nearly three decades of experience in employee benefits and human capital strategy, David shares how Optimatum helps clients reduce HR vendor costs by 10–12% in the first year while navigating complex M&A transitions. Based in New York, his firm is reimagining the HR supply chain through expert vendor management and transitional services. Tune in for a thoughtful dive into sustainable HR strategies, the challenges of scaling, and how precision can drive performance in an evolving workforce landscape.…

Founders Future

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Coaching High Performers with Erin "Mac" McCullough 28:39

4 days ago28:39

28:39

In this episode of Founders Future , host Jae Encarnacion sits down with Erin "Mac" McCullough , founder of Erin Mac, LLC , a coaching and consulting firm dedicated to helping high-performing leaders rediscover balance and joy in their personal and professional lives. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience and nearly two decades as a business coach, Erin shares her path to launching the company in 2018 and the mission behind her work. Based in Oxford, Florida, she specializes in helping overwhelmed executives and entrepreneurs achieve clarity, scale effectively, and create sustainable success. This episode dives into the transformative power of coaching, navigating burnout, and building a venture that empowers leadership from the inside out.…

Founders Future

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Strategic Messaging for Scalable Growth with Angel Evenson 24:02

5 days ago24:02

24:02

In this episode of Founders Future , host Ammar Elm chats with Angel Evenson, founder of Aka Communications, a firm dedicated to driving business growth through strategic messaging and sales alignment. With a background leading teams in corporate America, Angel shares her journey into entrepreneurship and how she’s now helping companies scale with fractional leadership, consulting, and hands-on training. Tune in as she discusses the power of clear messaging, the importance of aligning sales and marketing, and how small shifts can lead to massive revenue growth. Whether you're an early-stage founder or a seasoned exec, this episode delivers sharp insights on what it takes to grow smart and sell better.…

Founders Future

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Building Better Workplaces with C+K Consultants 26:48

5 days ago26:48

26:48

In this episode of Founders Future , host Ammar Elm sits down with Chad Alger-Hardt, the founder of C+K Consultants, a Chicago-based firm specializing in leadership development, team building, and organizational consulting. Chad shares the inspiring story behind launching C+K, the core values that guide his approach, and the strategies he uses to help organizations elevate performance and culture. Listeners will gain insights into the challenges of building a consulting business, the importance of intentional leadership, and Chad’s vision for scaling in an increasingly competitive industry.…

Founders Future

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Breaking into Tech Without Coding: Joana’s Story 22:44

5 days ago22:44

22:44

In this episode of Founders, Future , host Laura Skinner sits down with Joana, co-founder of TechTalk UK. Joanna shares her personal journey from a marketing director with limited tech awareness to founding a platform dedicated to demystifying tech careers for non-coders. She opens up about the challenges of entering the tech world without a coding background and how Tech Talk empowers graduates, career switchers, and professionals to discover fulfilling roles in marketing, customer support, sales, and more within tech companies. Joanna’s mission is clear: broaden the perception of what a tech career looks like and help others thrive in this booming industry.…

Founders Future

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Navigating Careers Across Borders with Bryan Wisotsky 20:29

5 days ago20:29

20:29

In this lively and engaging episode, Ammar Elm welcomes Bryan Wisotsky for a conversation that spans from Miami to Canada—literally. The duo kicks things off with a bit of fun banter about geography and cultural pride before diving into more substantial ground. Bryan shares insights from his career journey, touching on professional growth, the value of international experiences, and the evolving nature of work. The episode offers listeners a candid, human look at navigating careers across borders, with a dash of humor and warmth.…

Founders Future

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Profit with Purpose: Nathan Stuck on the B Corp Path 28:01

6 days ago28:01

28:01

In this episode of Founders, Future , host Mishal Saeed sits down with Nathan Stuck, founder of Profitable Purpose Consulting, a certified B Corp consultancy making waves by guiding businesses toward sustainable, purpose-driven success. Nathan shares his journey from corporate professional to community-driven entrepreneur, and how PPC has helped companies like Vector Global Logistics earn their B Corp status.…

Founders Future

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From Idea to Impact: Davis Nguyen’s Entrepreneurial Path 25:24

6 days ago25:24

25:24

In this episode of Founders Future , host Laura Skinner sits down with Davis Nguyen, the founder of Purple Circle , to discuss his entrepreneurial journey. Davis shares the inspiration behind starting Purple Circle, the market gap his company is solving, and the pivotal moments that shaped their growth. From early challenges to strategic insights, Davis offers an inside look at how Purple Circle is positioning itself for long-term success. This candid conversation also uncovers the values driving Davis as a leader and what the future holds for his team and company.…

Founders Future

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Kent Craven on Franchising, Growth, and Entrepreneurial Empowerment 30:10

6 days ago30:10

30:10

In this episode of Founders Future , host Jae Encarnacion welcomes Kent Craven , founder of the Franchise Resource Company , for a deep dive into his 30+ year journey in the franchising world. From launching his first venture at age 25 with venture capital backing to revitalizing underperforming markets, Kent shares the pivotal lessons he’s learned along the way. He discusses the power of franchising as a vehicle for entrepreneurship, how he’s helped hundreds start successful businesses, and what trends are shaping the future of franchise opportunities. This episode is packed with insights for aspiring business owners, seasoned entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about the franchise landscape.…

Founders Future

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Scaling Sales with Walter Crosby: From $7M to $15M and Beyond 24:27

6 days ago24:27

24:27

In this episode of Founders Future , host Jae Encarnacion sits down with Walter Crosby , CEO of Helix Sales Development and author of Scale Your Sales , to uncover the principles behind building high-performance sales organizations. With over 30 years of B2B sales experience, Walter shares how he helps companies grow from $7M to $15M+ by transforming their sales culture and aligning leadership with scalable strategies. From lessons in leadership to the art of hiring the right salespeople, this episode is packed with real-world insights for founders and sales-driven teams ready to level up.…

Founders Future

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The Sword of Illumination: Unlocking Leadership Potential with David Olcott 24:41

6 days ago24:41

24:41

In this episode of Founders, Future , host Jae Encarnacion sits down with David Olcott, the dynamic founder, president, and CEO of Samurai Success. With over 35 years of coaching experience and a background spanning finance, politics, and martial arts, David shares how he channels his eclectic expertise into transformative coaching models for executives and organizations. Listeners get an inside look at Samurai Success’s signature approach, including the “Sword of Illumination,” a methodology designed to drive sustainable growth and personal evolution. From the company’s origins in Denver to its global mission, David discusses how he’s helping leaders unlock their fullest potential and what’s next in scaling this impact-driven venture.…

Founders Future

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Landing Dream Jobs: Inside the Strategy with Post Up Careers 20:50

6 days ago20:50

20:50

In this inspiring episode of Founders, Future , host Mishal Saeed welcomes Franklin Buchanan , founder of Post Up Careers , a career coaching business that's helping professionals land dream jobs and thrive in career transitions. With a background in recruiting and business development, Franklin shares how his unexpected journey into resume writing and coaching turned into a purpose-driven venture. Listeners will hear how Post Up Careers, based in Aiken, South Carolina, is redefining the job search experience with standout strategies in resume writing, interview prep, and career coaching. Franklin also opens up about the real-world results his clients are achieving—and his mission to make career development more human, personalized, and effective.…

Founders Future

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Crafting Conscious Travel: Juliana Olarte’s Journey with Coconut Breeze Media 19:50

6 days ago19:50

19:50

In this episode of Founders Future , host Mishal Saeed sits down with Juliana Olarte, the dynamic founder and CEO of Coconut Breeze Media. A Baruch College alum with a dual background in finance and marketing, Juliana shares the journey behind launching her digital agency in 2025 from the shores of Cocoa Beach, Florida. With a passion for travel, technology, and conscious storytelling, her agency is transforming how scuba diving, hospitality, and travel brands engage with audiences. Listeners will get an inside look at how Coconut Breeze Media leverages its proprietary Coconut Connect platform to deliver tailored digital solutions, and how Juliana's early experiences in PR and hospitality helped shape a vision for a more authentic, impactful approach to travel marketing. From scaling challenges to the power of niche branding, this episode offers inspiring insights for any founder navigating the intersection of tech, storytelling, and purpose-driven business.…

Founders Future

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Alex Cater on Scaling Strategy: Inside the Rise of CIG 27:13

6 days ago27:13

27:13

In this episode of Founders Future , host Mishal Saeed sits down with Alex Cater, founder and managing director of Cater Investment Group (CIG). With a deep background in consulting and private equity, Alex shares the origin story behind CIG—a Dallas-based firm with a growing global presence, especially in Asia. From his time leading M&A at Samsung Biologics to launching a dual venture focused on financial consulting and strategic investments, Alex reveals what it takes to build a firm that thrives in complex markets. Listeners will gain insight into the real-world challenges of deal sourcing, executing cross-border M&A, and establishing operational efficiency. Plus, Alex breaks down how his team is reshaping the future of private equity and advisory through data-driven governance, FP&A, and leadership development. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or aspiring consultant, this episode delivers valuable lessons on scaling sustainably in uncertain economic times.…

Founders Future

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Leading with Purpose: Frank Gliha’s Healthcare Journey 20:41

6 days ago20:41

20:41

In this inspiring episode of Founders, Future , host Laura Skinner sits down with Frank Gliha, the founder of Accelerated Clinical Leadership. Frank opens up about the personal story that shaped his professional path—from a life-changing car accident at 18 to becoming a seasoned emergency department nurse and healthcare leader with over 25 years of experience. Frank shares what drove him to create a company focused on empowering clinical leaders and addressing critical gaps in healthcare leadership. Tune in as he discusses the real-world challenges of the industry, the emotional backbone behind his mission, and how his company is strategically positioned for growth in the evolving healthcare landscape.…

Founders Future

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Decision-Making Reimagined with Thomas Chappell 25:26

6 days ago25:26

25:26

In this episode of Founders, Future , host Mishal Saeed sits down with Thomas Chappell, a U.S. Army veteran turned entrepreneur and the visionary behind Breakthrough Strategies Group. With a background in network engineering and a deep curiosity about how people make decisions, Thomas founded his consultancy in Stafford, Virginia in 2019 to help leaders—from government agencies to startups—navigate complexity through tools like the Foresight Matrix. Thomas shares the origin story of Breakthrough Strategies, how his military background shaped his approach to leadership, and the ways his firm is revolutionizing decision-making with a human-centered, data-driven lens. Whether you're a strategist, entrepreneur, or just fascinated by the science of choice, this episode offers a thoughtful look into building a consultancy that thrives on clarity, context, and impact.…

Founders Future

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Mastering Customer Success with Keyonna L. Taylor 30:56

6 days ago30:56

30:56

In this episode of Founders, Future , host Mishal Saeed chats with Keyonna L. Taylor , the powerhouse founder and virtual Chief Strategy Officer of Key Focus Group. With over 20 years of experience leading global customer success teams and managing over $100M in revenue, Keyonna shares the insights behind her data-driven, results-oriented consultancy. Since founding Key Focus Group in 2017, Keyonna has helped clients reduce churn by 30% and boost adoption by 20%. In this conversation, she opens up about her early career at Rackspace, what “fanatical support” taught her about customer loyalty, and how she helps businesses align strategy with experience to drive long-term value.…

Founders Future

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Scaling Smarter: Austin Dlima on Transforming Recruitment 21:12

6 days ago21:12

21:12

In this episode of Founders, Future & , host Mishal Saeed sits down with Austin Dlima, founder and CEO of Habtin Resources. Austin shares his journey into entrepreneurship and the pivotal moments that led him to build a company centered around recruitment innovation and business process outsourcing. Listeners will gain insights into how Austin leverages operational strategy to streamline hiring processes, foster high-performing teams, and drive scalable growth. Tune in to explore the future of talent acquisition and what it takes to build resilient, thriving businesses in today's fast-changing market.…

Founders Future

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Thrive25: Building a Future of Longevity 22:59

6 days ago22:59

22:59

In this episode of Founders, Future & , host Jae Encarnacion welcomes Ryan Schneider, seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Thrive25. With over two decades in venture capital and startups—raising $30 million and scaling a company to $40 million in revenue—Ryan now turns his focus to a deeply personal mission: longevity. He shares how Thrive25 blends data-driven wellness insights with entrepreneurial discipline to help individuals lead healthier, more vibrant lives. Discover how Ryan is building a movement that merges startup grit with sustainable health, all while staying energized for the people who matter most—his family.…

Founders Future

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Granting Success: Amanda Stonerock on Funding Big Impact 23:22

6 days ago23:22

23:22

In this episode of Founders, Future & , host Jae Encarnacion chats with Amanda Stonerock, founder of Stone Rock Business Solutions (SBS). Based in Billings, Montana, Amanda launched SBS in 2021 with a vision to help small businesses and nonprofits unlock funding through strategic planning and expert grant writing. With a background in political science and public relations, Amanda has led her team to raise over $131 million—boasting an 82% grant approval rate. Tune in as Amanda shares how she blends passion with precision to fuel community-driven impact and why empowering others is at the core of her entrepreneurial journey.…

Founders Future

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Precision Growth: Inside the A4 Methodology with Philippe 23:31

6 days ago23:31

23:31

In this episode of Founders, Future , host Jae Encarnacion sits down with Philippe Bouissou, the seasoned CEO and founder of Blue Dots Partners, LLC. With over 30 years of experience in Silicon Valley—including scaling Apple’s e-commerce operations to $350 million and investing $43 million as a venture capitalist—Philippe shares his insights on sustainable business growth. Listeners will learn how Blue Dots Partners, founded in 2014, is helping mid-market tech and service companies scale using their unique A4 Precision Alignment Methodology. Tune in for a compelling conversation about strategy, innovation, and the future of business growth.…

Founders Future

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Redefining Leadership with Stephan K Thieringer of Human Innovation Garage 24:21

6 days ago24:21

24:21

In this episode of Founders, Future , host Jae Encarnacion welcomes Stephan K Thieringer, the visionary CEO and founder of Human Innovation Garage. A 2023 Top 30 Global Coaching Guru and seasoned executive coach, Stephan shares how he’s redefining leadership development through the power of psychological safety and authentic human connection. With over a decade of experience and a passion for unlocking human potential, he discusses how his boutique firm empowers leaders and teams to thrive in today’s evolving business landscape. Tune in to discover practical insights on coaching, leadership, and building resilient, people-first organizations.…

Founders Future

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Innovating Venture Capital with Dr. Jeff D. Standridge 23:05

6 days ago23:05

23:05

In this episode of Founders, Future , host Jae Encarnacion sits down with Dr. Jeff D. Standridge, co-founder and general partner of Cadron Capital Partners, as well as co-founder of Innovation Junkie. With over 30 years of global business leadership—including his tenure as Vice President at Axiom Corporation—Jeff shares his insights into reshaping early-stage tech investing. From his work in academia to his innovative approach to deal structuring, Jeff reveals how Cadron Capital Partners is fueling startups in Arkansas and beyond. Don’t miss this episode packed with leadership wisdom, venture capital insights, and practical strategies for founders navigating the early stages of growth.…

Founders Future

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Innovating in Defense: DeVanté Snell’s Journey with Black Oak Solutions 16:41

6 days ago16:41

16:41

In this episode of Founders, Future , host Jae Encarnacion sits down with DeVanté Snell, founder of Black Oak Solutions, a rising consulting firm based in Montgomery, Alabama. DeVanté shares his unique journey into the world of entrepreneurship, rooted in his deep experience in project management and stakeholder engagement. From collaborating with institutions like MIT and the Air University Innovation Accelerator, to diving into complex domains like wargaming and AI, DeVanté unpacks how Black Oak Solutions is carving out a niche in the defense and tech space. Tune in to hear insights on innovation, leadership, and the strategic vision driving a small but mighty firm into the future.…

Founders Future

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From Boardrooms to Breakthroughs: The Journey of Steven Davis 25:23

6 days ago25:23

25:23

In this episode of Founders Future , host Ammar Elm sits down with Steven Davis, the founder and CEO of Renaissance Solutions Inc., a renowned executive leadership and career coaching firm. With a rich background spanning technology and consulting—including time at JPMorgan Chase—Steven shares his journey from corporate leader to influential coach. He opens up about the challenges of building credibility in the coaching world, the shifts in career development post-COVID, and his insights on preparing leaders for roles at top companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. Whether you're an aspiring executive, a career changer, or an entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, strategic growth, and the future of leadership.…

Founders Future

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From Purpose to Platform: Bobby Umar’s Leadership Journey 14:07

7 days ago14:07