Bridging Startups And Giants: The Bramble And Bird Consulting Model Founders Future podcast

22:06

In this episode of Founders, Future, with host Mishal Saeed , Jean-Marc Mercy, founder and managing director of Mercy Consulting Group, shares his journey of empowering West African businesses through strategic talent solutions. Jean-Marc discusses how his company bridges critical gaps in talent acquisition, leadership development, and team engagement, helping organizations align their workforce with business goals. He opens up about the challenges of scaling a consulting firm, from navigating operational demands to building a community of coaches and consultants to expand impact. Jean-Marc also reflects on the importance of authenticity in leadership and the lessons learned from his early entrepreneurial failures. He outlines his vision for Mercy Consulting Group, aiming to help 100,000 professionals discover their talents by 2030 through coaching programs, digital products, and tailored HR solutions. With a focus on education and community-building, Jean-Marc’s story inspires founders to "build before they’re ready"—but never alone.…

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Beyond the Hustle: How to Build a Business Aligned with Your Soul 29:00

1 day ago29:00

29:00

In this episode of Founders Future , host Ammar Elm sits down with Gina DiStefano, President of DiStefano Group, to explore her transformative journey from corporate life to building a performance coaching firm that helps professionals unlock their full potential. Gina shares her powerful story of self-discovery—how she left a Fortune 500 career to start her own business, only to face deep personal challenges that reshaped her approach to coaching. She reveals her proprietary Revitalized System, designed to help Gen Xers and high achievers break free from limiting beliefs, align with their purpose, and create fulfilling lives beyond societal expectations. Gina dives into the core of her coaching philosophy—why true transformation requires radical self-awareness, confronting subconscious programming, and rewriting personal narratives. She discusses the importance of intentionality, energetic alignment, and building authentic relationships in business, rather than relying solely on transactional marketing. With raw honesty, she explains how her own struggles with self-worth and identity led her to develop a coaching framework that empowers clients to alchemize pain into power and step into their divine potential. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or someone seeking deeper fulfillment, Gina’s insights offer a roadmap for personal and professional reinvention.…

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Niche Domination: How Events & Vendor Alliances Replace Cold Outreach 20:37

1 day ago20:37

20:37

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, we sit down with Lane Rizzardini, founder of Sleep Apnea Leads, a niche marketing agency helping dental sleep clinics attract patients through AI-driven lead gen and conversion systems. Lane shares how a serendipitous referral from a home organizer client led him to discover the untapped $7B dental sleep medicine market—where dentists treat sleep apnea but struggle to market beyond their dental patient base. He breaks down his "dual brand" strategy (separate sleep-focused websites and messaging) and reveals how his proprietary Patient Conversion System—featuring an AI agent named Sarah—boosts appointment rates by 8X with 5-minute response times and automated follow-ups. Lane also opens up about the challenges of niching down reluctantly, why most digital agencies fail without specialization, and how dominating a micro-industry unlocked unexpected opportunities (like physician referral programs). For founders hesitant to delegate, he shares hard-won lessons on balancing hands-on execution with scaling—including why he still handles sales himself at $1.4M revenue. Listeners will walk away with tactical insights on leveraging AI for lead nurturing, the power of in-person niche events, and why "owning the ecosystem" beats competing on generic marketing services.…

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From Fractional CMO to AI CEO: Dave Makin’s Unconventional Startup Journey 18:07

1 day ago18:07

18:07

In this episode of Founders Future , host Ammar Elm sits down with Dave Makin, Co-Founder & CEO of Ex Machina AI Solutions, to explore his innovative AI-driven platform designed to serve as an "artificial boardroom" for businesses. Dave shares how his background in marketing and fractional CMO work led him to develop Olympus OS—a system that combines specialized AI agents (like a CMO, CFO, and CEO) to help entrepreneurs and companies make smarter decisions. Unlike generic AI tools, Olympus OS challenges assumptions, debates strategic options internally, and provides foresight into potential outcomes, all while keeping pricing accessible for small businesses. Dave opens up about the challenges of messaging in an AI-skeptical market, emphasizing that his platform is built to augment human decision-making, not replace it. He also discusses his go-to-market strategy, from leveraging LinkedIn and paid ads to building a network of consultants who can onboard users. With early adopters already seeing 100% revenue growth, Dave’s vision is to scale Ex Machina AI Solutions into a must-have tool for solopreneurs and enterprises alike—before eventually positioning it for acquisition.…

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Scaling Brands with Automation: Angelo Austin’s Journey with Austin Media Group 24:41

1 day ago24:41

24:41

In this episode of Founders Future, host Ammar Elm sits down with Angelo Austin, the founder and CEO of Austin Media Group, a full-service marketing and branding agency that helps businesses amplify their presence through strategic branding, visual storytelling, and innovative media solutions. Angelo shares his entrepreneurial journey, from running a fragrance brand to pivoting into digital marketing during the pandemic. He discusses how his experience in e-commerce and lead generation led him to specialize in helping service-based businesses scale through automation, SEO, and modern branding strategies. Angelo dives into the core services offered by Austin Media Group, emphasizing the importance of automating lead generation and nurturing systems to turn leads into lifetime customers. He also shares insights on targeting high-ticket clients, the challenges of building a predictable lead generation system, and his vision for the future, which includes acquiring and scaling e-commerce sites.…

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Workflow Before Technology: Larry Bailey’s Blueprint for Mortgage Efficiency 22:52

1 day ago22:52

22:52

In this episode of Founders Future , host Jae Encarnacion welcomes Larry Bailey, founder and CEO of Mortgage Workflow Partners Inc. With over 30 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Larry shares his journey of identifying a critical gap in the industry: the lack of workflow optimization before implementing technology. He discusses how Mortgage Workflow Partners Inc. helps banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies streamline their operations by prioritizing workflow efficiency over tech solutions. Larry also dives into the importance of training and empowering clients to sustain their success long after his team has completed their work. Larry opens up about the challenges and triumphs of bootstrapping his company, emphasizing the value of profitability from day one and avoiding debt. He highlights the strategies that have fueled his company’s rapid growth, from building a strong talent pool to leveraging LinkedIn and professional organizations for client acquisition. Throughout the conversation, Larry’s passion for transforming the mortgage industry shines through, offering actionable insights for entrepreneurs looking to scale their impact-driven ventures.…

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Empowering Women Through Career and Life Transformations with Chikara Kennedy 19:19

1 day ago19:19

19:19

In this episode of Founders Future , host Jae Encarnacion sits down with Chikara Kennedy, founder of Chikara Power Coaching & Consulting. Chikara shares her inspiring journey from a decorated U.S. Air Force officer and HR leader at top companies like Meta to becoming a transformational coach empowering professional women through career transitions and leadership development. She delves into her unique “Power Framework” and cosmic alignment tools, designed to help clients navigate life’s challenges and achieve holistic growth. Chikara also discusses her vision for scaling her impact-driven venture, including her upcoming transformational retreat in Mexico, and offers valuable insights on overcoming personal and professional obstacles. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how Chikara blends her military leadership expertise, HR background, and passion for coaching to create transformative experiences. She also reflects on the evolving coaching industry, the importance of self-compassion, and how her holistic approach helps clients align their careers and lives with their true purpose. Whether you’re navigating a career transition or seeking personal growth, Chikara’s story and strategies are sure to inspire and empower.…

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Building Cultural Intelligence: The UNTOLD Story with Alana Cheeks-Lomax and Gary Johnson 22:40

1 day ago22:40

22:40

In this episode of Founders Future , host Jae Encarnacion sits down with Alana Cheeks-Lomax and Gary Johnson, the co-founders of UNTOLD, a culture and community strategy consultancy based in Los Angeles. Alana and Gary share their inspiring journey of building UNTOLD, a company dedicated to helping brands authentically connect with Black and multicultural audiences through cultural intelligence and community-centered design. They discuss the challenges they’ve faced, the evolution of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into cultural intelligence, and their vision for scaling their impact-driven venture. Alana and Gary dive into the core offerings of UNTOLD, including cultural strategy development, behavioral research, and creating “moments that matter” for brands and organizations. They also explore the importance of human-centered design and community engagement in today’s evolving landscape. With plans to develop a data platform and expand their thought leadership, Alana and Gary are paving the way for a new era of cultural intelligence, proving that understanding and valuing diverse audiences is key to long-term growth and impact.…

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From Corporate to Coaching: Tanner O’Brien’s Entrepreneurial Journey 16:14

1 day ago16:14

16:14

In this episode of Founders Future, host Jae Encarnacion sits down with Tanner O’Brien, Senior Partner and Co-Owner of ActionCOACH of Central Texas. Tanner shares his unique journey from mechanical engineering and psychology to becoming a business coach, blending his technical expertise with a passion for helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses. He dives into the challenges of transitioning from a corporate career to co-owning a family business, the importance of systems and team building, and how his firm empowers business owners to achieve sustainable growth. Tanner also reflects on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, including a pivotal moment when his business faced near closure, and how returning to foundational principles helped them rebuild and thrive. Tanner offers valuable insights into the evolution of the business coaching industry, particularly the role of AI in enhancing coaching effectiveness. He emphasizes the importance of mastering marketing and sales, building strong foundations, and continuously measuring progress. With a focus on scaling through systems and team development, Tanner provides actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to navigate challenges and achieve long-term success. His story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of strategic thinking in business.…

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From Sales Pro to Performance Coach: Jordan Benjamin’s Journey 20:03

1 day ago20:03

20:03

In this episode of Founders Future , host Mishal Saeed sits down with Jordan Benjamin, founder of My Core OS, to explore his journey from sales professional to mindset and performance coach. Jordan shares how his experiences in startups and tech sales inspired him to create My Core OS, a platform dedicated to helping individuals and teams achieve peak performance while maintaining work-life harmony. He discusses the importance of mindset, self-awareness, and sustainable growth, emphasizing how traditional education often fails to equip people with the skills needed to navigate life’s challenges. Jordan also delves into his approach to coaching, which combines psychology, leadership development, and practical strategies to empower his clients to thrive in their personal and professional lives. Jordan opens up about his vision for My Core OS, focusing on helping people land meaningful careers, elevate their performance, and set higher standards for themselves. He highlights the importance of proactive routines, gratitude, and self-reflection in achieving long-term success. Jordan also shares insights on the evolving coaching industry, particularly the growing recognition of mindset as a critical foundation for performance. His people-centric approach and passion for making a difference shine through as he offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to take their first steps toward growth and fulfillment.…

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Beyond Spirits: Expanding Horizons with Susan Mooney 43:08

2 days ago43:08

43:08

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Mishal Saeed, Susan Mooney, founder of Spirits Consulting Group, shares her insights on scaling a consulting business in the fast-evolving beverage industry. With 15 years of experience, Susan discusses how she maintains alignment with her company's vision while empowering her team, and reveals how she's expanding beyond spirits into coffee and innovative functional beverages like THC dosing technology. The conversation explores the intersection of technology and human intuition in marketing, with Susan advocating for a "human plus AI" approach that enhances efficiency without sacrificing creativity. She also shares her vision for the future—emphasizing team building, digital marketing expansion, and AI-powered consumer models that shift from product pushing to personalized discovery—painting a compelling picture of innovation in the beverage consulting space.…

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Optimizing Revenue Ops and Events: A Marketing Evolution 23:01

2 days ago23:01

23:01

In this episode of Founders, Future , host Jae Encarnacion sits down with Karen Steele, the visionary behind Steele Alloy, to explore how focusing on core strengths and embracing innovation have driven the company’s success. Karen shares her experience working closely with Steve Jobs and how his emphasis on the power of saying no shaped her approach to business. She discusses how Steele Alloy has evolved by integrating new expertise in Revenue Operations and event marketing, while leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to optimize workflows and deliver outstanding client results. Karen offers thoughtful advice to fellow founders about the importance of sticking to your core competencies and being selective about growth opportunities. Through her insights, listeners will learn how to navigate change strategically, harness technology effectively, and build partnerships that amplify value without losing focus. Join Jae and Karen for a compelling conversation packed with actionable wisdom to inspire entrepreneurs on their journey to sustainable growth and excellence.…

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Scaling Smart: Delegation, Pricing & Funnels with Mads Singers 18:30

2 days ago18:30

18:30

In this episode of Founders, Future , host Jae Encarnacion sits down with seasoned management consultant and entrepreneur Mads Singers to explore how smart delegation, strategic pricing, and scalable funnels have fueled his success across multiple businesses. Mads opens up about his approach to balancing coaching, SaaS product management, and speaking engagements, sharing how he leverages tools like GoHighLevel and his own platform HeyRamp.com to streamline operations and boost team performance. Listeners will gain insight into why delegation is about focusing on the right tasks—not just doing less—and how that mindset drives sustainable business growth. Mads also discusses the future of management consulting in an AI-driven world, his current focus on scaling his SaaS tool HeyRamp, and the importance of adaptable sales funnels with self-liquidating offers. Whether you’re a founder grappling with lead generation or scaling challenges, or simply want practical advice on building high-performing teams, this episode delivers actionable strategies to help you grow smarter and lead stronger. .…

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Unlocking Potential with MaLinda Perry: A Strengths-Based Journey 26:41

2 days ago26:41

26:41

In this episode of Founders Future , host Mishal Saeed sits down with MaLinda Perry, the founder of MaLinda Perry Consulting, LLC, to explore her inspiring journey from a 20-year career in the design industry to becoming a renowned strengths-based coach. MaLinda shares how a personal turning point—her son’s life-changing accident—led her to discover the transformative power of the Gallup Strengths assessment. This experience ignited her passion for helping individuals and teams unlock their potential by focusing on what they do best. She discusses her mission to empower people to embrace their unique strengths, build confidence, and navigate life with authenticity and purpose.…

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From Burnout to Breakthrough: The Paid to Breathe Method 25:07

2 days ago25:07